Publication	Sapa BC-ZUMA-DA
Date	2005-11-13
Issued	Johannesburg
Reporter	Sapa

The Democratic Alliance said on Sunday it would seek answers in Parliament on the reports of a rape charge being levelled against Jacob Zuma, if police commissioner Jackie Selebi failed to clarify the matter.

Selebi's office has declined to respond to reports on the issue.

"There's nothing I can say," spokeswoman Director Sally de Beer told Sapa at the weekend.

"It's against our policy to say whether a charge has been laid."

DA Justice spokeswoman Sheila Camerer said on Sunday: "It is quite extraordinary that different newspapers carry totally different versions of events.

"One paper alleges that Zuma has been accused of rape and that the police are investigating the charge.

"he other newspaper, who also names the complainant, alleges that the complainant denies that she was raped. Both stories cannot be correct."

If a rape was indeed committed, it would be a shame if the complainant succumbed to pressure and withdrew the charges.

"Statistically, half of all victims of rape withdraw their complaints as a result of pressure being put on them," Camerer said.

"On the other hand, if Mr Zuma did not commit rape then his reputation has suffered grievous harm because of the allegation."

It was essential that the police investigated the matter urgently and that the public be informed of the truth.

The DA called on Selebi to urgently establish the facts and inform the public about whether (a) a charge was in fact laid against Jacob Zuma, (b) whether this charge was withdrawn and (c) what the circumstances were surrounding the withdrawal.

"If Commissioner Selebi fails to take the public into his confidence about these questions, then we will approach Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula for answers in parliament," said Camerer.