Related: Zuma found not guilty on rape charge

Former South African deputy-President Jacob Zuma reacts as he stands in the dock during the judgement in his trial for rape, in the Johannesburg High Court May 8, 2006. (Xinhua/Reuters)

    JOHANNESBURG, May 9 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's former deputy president Jacob Zuma on Tuesday apologized "unconditionally" for having had unprotected sex with an HIV-positive woman who previously laid a rape charge on him.

    "I should have known better and acted with greater responsibility," said Zuma, acquitted from the charge on Monday. "I erred on this issue and on this I apologize."

    Zuma also emphasized that the woman who accused him of rape should not be vilified.

    "She deserves to live a fruitful and harmonious life as a citizen of this country," he told reporters in Johannesburg, reading from a prepared statement.

    The rape case against Zuma, 64, has aroused frenzied debates on critical issues including gender-based abuse and HIV/AIDS after it was intensively covered by the South African media.

    Both the HIV-positive woman and Zuma testified that a condom was not used during the sex, a bombshell news in South Africa whose HIV prevalence is among the worst in the world.

    Zuma's statement that he took a shower after the sex to minimize the risk of contracting HIV left anti-AIDS activists aghast, the public confused, and became a favorite subject of local political cartoonists.

    But Zuma said on Tuesday that it was "unfortunate" that his statements in court were taken out of context and seen as policy statements on AIDS, according to a SAPA news agency report.

    "I didn't say a shower is a cure for AIDS," he said, adding that it was merely an "additional measure" to AIDS prevention.

    Zuma said he had notified African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Kgalema Motlanthe he intended to resume his duties in the party.

    Asked if he had ambitions to be president following the trial, Zuma said this was up to the ANC, and that he was ready to do what the party asked of him.

    "I've never wanted to be a leader. The ANC will decide after all of it. I'm ready for any task that the ANC gives," he said. Enditem