South Africa's governing ANC party has refrained from acting against the party's deputy president, Jacob Zuma, who has been accused of rape

BBC News:

Mr Zuma has also been charged with corruption and was sacked as the country's deputy president in June.

At a weekend meeting of ANC's national executive, Mr Zuma admitted he was facing allegations of rape, and asked to address the meeting on the subject.

This followed press reports that police were pursuing rape claims against him.

Speaking at a news conference on Monday, ANC secretary general Kgalema Motlante said Mr Zuma had again denied the allegations.

"The NEC [National Executive Committee] took the view that since the matter is still under investigation, we should not engage with it, but [ANC] officials must keep a close eye on the matter."

While Mr Zuma's supporters have continued to protest his innocence in the face of corruption charges, the rape allegations have increased the pressure on Mr Zuma himself and made it more difficult for his allies to continue their unequivocal support.

Mr Motlante added that the allegations are being "regarded very seriously by the ANC".

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