/ 5 May 2014

Zuma: Nkandla security necessary after wife’s rape

President Jacob Zuma arrives at the FNB Stadium in Soweto filled to capacity at the final ANC campaign rally.
President Jacob Zuma arrives at the FNB Stadium in Soweto filled to capacity at the final ANC campaign rally.

President Jacob Zuma told a media briefing that his wife was allegedly raped in 1998 at his Nkandla homestead, prompting the need for upgrades. Zuma addressed an ANC breakfast on Monday morning, where he defended himself against allegations that he unduly benefited from R246-million’s worth of security upgrades at his Nkandla homestead.

“My homes were burnt in Nkandla. Criminals broke in and raped my wife. I was MEC at the time. Those who say I don’t need security – it’s not like we were dealing with a normal situation. People broke in and raped my wife. I don’t think there is anything abnormal [about the security upgrades],” said Zuma.

The upgrades included the installation of a swimming pool and an amphitheatre.

In March, public protector Thuli Madonsela found that Zuma unduly benefited and recommended that he pay back the money to the state.

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Daily Maverick reporter Ranjeni Munusamy tweeted:

On Monday, Zuma said the rape happened while he was still an MEC in KwaZulu-Natal:

Madonsela’s investigation report said upgrades began in earnest in 2009 – more than 10 years after the alleged rape.

City Press news editor Natasha Joseph tweeted: