Tutu laments impact of Zuma rape trial

Desmond Tutu se mening en kommentaar oor die Zuma-sage.

London - Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu has described former deputy president Jacob Zuma's rape trial as "one of the worst moments in the life of our young democracy".

He made the comment at Henley Management College at the weekend, where he launched a scholarship programme aimed at developing ethical management in both the public and private sectors.

"It's been a very distressing time for all of us," said Tutu. "I've been saddened by the reinforcement of the stereotype that when a woman accuses a man of rape, she is made out to be the guilty one, and that her sexual history is then brought up - whether true or not.

"It makes it very difficult for a woman to bring charges of rape as she'll nearly always end up being the accused."

He saw the conduct of the crowds of Zuma supporters outside court towards the complainant as "abominable".

"It is sad that we can use our freedoms in such a way that it stomps all over the dignity of the accused," said Tutu.