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Former South African President Jacob Zuma said in a survey conducted by a judge that allegations of corruption against him constituted a "plot" to remove him from the political scene.
He was appearing for the first time in the investigation, which is investigating allegations that he oversaw a corrupt network during his tenure.
His supporters cheered when he entered the building.
Zuma was forced to resign from his presidency in February 2018.
He was replaced by his deputy Cyril Ramaphosa, who had promised to fight corruption in South Africa. Ramaphosa described the "lost years" of his nine-year term.
The allegations against Zuma focus on his relationship with the controversial Gupta family, accused of influencing cabinet appointments and obtaining lucrative public offerings through bribery.
He was also charged with corruption by the Bosasa logistics company, headed by the Watson family.
They deny all allegations of wrongdoing.
What did Mr. Zuma say?
Supporters of Jacob Zuma appeared at the survey with badges to show their support.
Apparently relaxed and sometimes animated, Zuma said foreign intelligence agencies, which he did not name, were behind a plot to remove him from office for decades.
"I have been vilified, considered the king of corrupt people," Zuma said at the open investigation of Judge Ray Zondo.
"I was given all the other names and I never answered those questions," he added.
He objected to allegations that he would have allowed the state to be "captured" by the Gupta family and would have sold the country at auction.
"Did I auction Table Mountain, did I auction Johannesburg?" he said.
On the eve of the hearing, Mr. Zuma was in a good mood. He tweeted a video of himself laughing at the song "Zuma must fall!"
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