S Africa's Zuma tells graft probe he's a victim of conspiracy

South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma on Monday dismissed multiple graft allegations against him, telling a judicial inquiry he was the victim of conspiracies, years of "character assassination" and plots to kill him.

In an often rambling monologue, Zuma accused unnamed foreign intelligence agencies and spies of working against him and added: "I have survived attempts to kill me."
"I have been given every other name."
Zuma, who will face questioning by lawyers during an appearance that could last all week, said he had been the victim of "character assassination over 20 years."
"There has been a drive to remove me from the scene, (they) wish that I would disappear... there is this conspiracy against me."
"There have been people sent from outside the country to come and kill me, but I have been patient not saying a thing -- but I have been provoked to the last degree."