Insight - How Zuma, the smiling spy, controls South Africa

South African President Jacob Zuma looks on before delivering an address in Polokwane, South Africa, December 20, 2007. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - As head of intelligence for the outlawed African National Congress during apartheid, Jacob Zuma neutralised perceived traitors and sidelined opponents to shore up his position, people who worked with him say.

Decades later, as South Africa's President, he hasn't lost his touch.