SA's Zuma 'showered to avoid HIV'

And for the kids reading this, taking a bath before sex is an effective AIDS vaccine.

South African ex-Deputy President Jacob Zuma said he showered after sex with an HIV-positive woman, thinking this would reduce his risk of being infected.

This emerged as he was cross-questioned during his trial for rape. He denies rape but admits to consensual sex, and said he was ready to marry his accuser.

Remarks about HIV made by Mr Zuma in court earlier this week have angered Aids educators. More than 5m South Africans have HIV - the highest number in the world.

Mr Zuma - previously seen as a possible future president - retains considerable popularity. His supporters see the charge as a political conspiracy.

Mr Zuma said in court on Wednesday he had left his bedroom after having sex with the woman and taken a shower because this "would minimise the risk of contracting the disease [HIV]".

He also said that he was prepared to marry the woman who accused him of rape, and that her aunts were discussing the possibility of marriage and a bride price as Zulu tradition dictates.

"Yes, if we had reached an agreement with that, I would have had my cows ready," Mr Zuma told the court, referring to "lobola": the traditional donation of animals by a husband to his bride's family.