Defence due to conclude arguments in Zuma trial

The rape trial of former South African deputy president Jacob Zuma was due to end today, with the defence wrapping up its arguments at the Johannesburg High Court.

Judge Willem van der Merwe has promised to reach a verdict as soon as possible on whether Zuma is guilty of raping a 31-year-old HIV positive family friend at his home last November 2.

Zuma, 64, said they had consensual sex, but the woman says he raped her and that because she “froze” she did not resist.

The case is the most politically explosive since the end of apartheid, with Zuma supporters saying it is part of a plot to destroy his lingering hopes of becoming president.

He was sacked last year and goes on trial in June on corruption charges, but remains popular within the ruling African National Congress.