May 9, 2006	Tuesday	Rabi-us-Sani 10, 1427

JOHANNESBURG, May 8: Zulu war cries and cheers pierced the air on Monday after a South African judge found former vice-president Jacob Zuma ‘not guilty’ of rape in a verdict followed by thousands of his supporters.

In a dramatic end to post-apartheid South Africa’s most sensational rape trial, a courtroom packed with Zuma supporters erupted in applause after the verdict came down, with women ululating and men — some dressed in traditional Zulu skins — shouting the Zulu war-cry of ‘Usuthu!’.

Jacob Zuma, once the top contender to succeed President Thabo Mbeki, rose from his seat, hugged his attorney and smiled broadly.

The 64-year-old politician arrived at the Johannesburg High Court earlier in the day to hear the verdict in his trial for the rape of a 31-year-old HIV-positive woman, the daughter of an old family friend, at his home on November.

Outside the court, about 3,000 people broke out in song and women cheered before marching to a nearby square where they were addressed by their hero to thunderous applause.

“I love you as people, as you love me,” a victorious Zuma told the crowd as a large number of policemen, some of whom were dressed in riot gear, kept a watchful eye.

“I’d like to thank you for the support you have shown me today,” Mr Zuma said speaking in his native Zulu language.

“Chief Bambata is here with us today,” Mr Zuma told his supporters, referring to a Zulu chief who led a black uprising against colonial forces in 1906.

“I am a man who believes in the ancestors,” added Mr Zuma, whose supporters had warned of trouble if he was found guilty.

The popular politician then sang the liberation song ‘Mshiniwami’, which is Zulu for ‘Bring my machine gun’ before leaving in a black luxury vehicle.

His supporters said they were overjoyed with the outcome and some believed that it could revive his flagging political career and his chances to follow in Mr Mbeki’s footsteps when he steps down in 2009.—AFP