South Africa's dismissed vice-president charged with rape

South Africa’s dismissed deputy president was charged with rape today, prosecutors said.

Jacob Zuma, who remains the number-two of the governing African National Congress, appeared briefly in Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court and was released on 20,000 rands (€2,700) bail, according to a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority. Trial was set for February 13.

No details of the case were released.

Reports that Zuma allegedly raped a family friend surfaced in local newspapers last month.

Zuma has denied the allegations. His supporters maintain they are part of a smear campaign to erode his popularity within the ANC and trade unions and dash any hopes of his succeeding President Thabo Mbeki when he steps down in 2009.

Zuma was dismissed in June from his government position after he was charged with corruption linked to his financial adviser and two French arms companies.