Outrage as Woman Who Accused South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma of Rape Dies

Outrage as Woman Who Accused South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma of Rape Dies

The woman, Fezekile ‘Khwezi’ Kuzwayo, who accused South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma of rape 10 years ago, died yesterday. And this has sparked major reactions on South African social media, with some people calling for the president’s resignation.

The high-profile case rocked the country before Zuma became president. Named ‘Khwezi’ by South Africans to protect her image, the victim reportedly was the daughter of Zuma’s friend, Judson Diza Khuzwayo, a member of the African National Congress (ANC). The two men had spent 10 years in Robben Island Prison.

In 2005, 31-year-old Khwezi accused Zuma of raping her at his Johannesburg home. He pleaded not guilty and his attorneys reduced her claims to a consensual sex.

A year later, Jacob Zuma was acquitted, and in 2009, he became the president of South Africa.

Khwezi, later diagnosed with HIV, fiercely advocated for women’s right and fought against rape, until yesterday, when her family released a statement, confirming her death.

“It is with our deepest sorrow that the Kuzwayo family announces the passing of our daughter Fezekile Ntsukela Kuzwayo,” her mother, Beauty Sibongile Kuzwayo said.

The cause of her death has not been made public.

Her death has sparked major reactions on social media. While many people are calling for the president’s resignation, other have noted how politician Julius Malema vilified the alleged rape victim during the court proceedings.

See the outrage:

‘Khwezi’, the daughter of Jacob Zuma’s friend, Judson Diza Khuzwayo, is dead. Baba must resign to honour her.

— Marabout (@LoyisoSidimba) October 9, 2016

#JuliusMalema vilified #Khwezi saying she asked to be raped by #Zuma. He contributed to Khwezi’s suffering! #EFF @EFFSouthAfrica #RIPKhwezi

— Lwazi (@Lwazistos) October 10, 2016

@SakinaKamwendo All @MYANC people who attached Khwezi for speaking out should b ashamed of themselves including Malema #RIPKhwezi

— Thokozani Nala (@ThokozaniNala) October 10, 2016

We remember #Khwezi whose life was brutally disrupted by the political https://t.co/snyoX757UQ #Khwezi @SakinaKamwendo #AMLive

— Ramarumo Tshikosi (@tshikosira) October 10, 2016

Rest in peace ‘Khwezi’

A woman whose life was damaged by Zuma.

A rape survivor that @Julius_S_Malema said enjoyed her rape.

Never forget.

— Jacqui The Poet (@JacquiThePoet) October 9, 2016

If possible can @ThuliMadonsela3 ask @PresidencyZA how does he feel about the traumatic experience he&his cronies caused #Khwezi @SAfmRadio

— Nkosinathi Walls (@NkosinathiWalls) October 10, 2016

@SakinaKamwendo we believed Khwezi when she was still alive and we will still believe her Nxamalala forced himself to her

— KARABO™ (@craboh) October 10, 2016

How did #Zuma see #Khwezi in a sexual way? His best friend’s child. A child he helped raise. What kind of sick disgusting man is this?

— Lee 👸 👠 (@UnmovedLee) October 9, 2016

They were happy to question khwezi’s allegations when they were ANC members then left ANC all of a sudden khwezi was telling the truth.

— Obed Mlaba (@Fihlela_A) October 10, 2016

And while the country boils, President Zuma is set to visit Kenya for a three-day State visit. According to Daily Nation, Zuma will arrive Kenya today to meet with President Uhuru Kenyatta, and reasons for the visit include discussions on trade, security and immigration.

President Jacob Zuma is yet to speak up about Khwezi’s death.