Zuma gives evidence in rape trial

Former South African deputy president Jacob Zuma took the stand today in his rape trial.

The 63-year-old is accused of raping a 31-year-old HIV positive family friend at his home last November. He has denied the charges in Johannesburg and said the sexual intercourse was consensual.

Zuma, who failed last week in his bid to have the case dismissed, began by detailing his involvement in the armed wing of the African National Congress during the apartheid era.

He said was sentenced in 1963 to 10 years imprisonment on Robben Island, along with the father of the complainant and that the two men remained friends after they were released.

The Johannesburg High Court was packed for Zuma’s appearance.

He goes on trial in July on unrelated corruption charges but maintains the charges against him are a political plot to deny him the presidency.