South Africa is heading towards anarchy if the fairness of the looming corruption trial against African National Congress president Jacob Zuma is disputed, said the Democratic Alliance on Friday.

"Zuma's trial will be held under the spotlight of the international community and media in an open court, presided over by a constitutionally entrenched independent judiciary.

"If South Africans do not believe this to be true, then we are on the slippery slope to anarchy," said DA spokesman Eddie Trent in a statement.

He said any suggestions that Zuma would not have a fair trial were "nothing short of ridiculous".

"In fact, believing this to be true is like believing that taking a shower will wash away the chance of contracting Aids."

Trent also said Zuma should take a stronger stand against some of his supporters who have suggested violence might erupt if he is tried.

Cosatu's KZN provincial secretary Zet Luzipho apparently said this week that if the trial against Zuma continued, blood would flow, said Trent.

"[Zuma] must emphatically distance himself from any statement calling for blood to flow - a mere reprimand is not enough."

On Friday, Zuma said in Beeld newspaper that he would not sanction violence breaking out because of his trial.

Responding to a warning by the KwaZulu-Natal office of the Congress of SA Trade Unions that there would be chaos if he did have to appear in court, Zuma said: "No, no, no.

"That is exactly what I don't want. I don't want people to die or that shops and vehicles be set alight. I want no violence.

"I understand people's anger, because even I am deeply upset over the latest move by the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority]. But there are other legal ways that people can air their views and express their feelings and give expression to their unhappiness," Zuma was reported as saying.

"Violence is not the answer and I will never approve of it. I call on all of them to remain calm and abide by the law."

Zuma also told Beeld newspaper he would fight to the bitter end in the highest court to prove that he was innocent and did not commit any crime.

With acknowledgement to Sapa.