Winnie could face longer term in jail
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.First Edition
Johannesburg - Winnie Mandela's appeal against her convictions for kidnapping and assault, and a six-year jail sentence, began yesterday in South Africa's highest court, the Appellate Division in Bloemfontein, writes John Carlin.
Counsel for the state is arguing for her jail sentence to be increased, based on the contention that Mandela, contrary to the judge's finding in the trial nearly two years ago, had been present when the assaults took place on Stompie Moeketsi, 14, who was later murdered by one of Mandela's aides and three other young men.
In May 1991, Judge MC Stegmann sentenced Mandela to five years in jail on four counts of kidnapping, and one year on four counts of accessory to assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. But she had testified in court that she had not been present in her Soweto home on 29 December 1988 when the assaults took place and the judge accepted her alibi.
Five judges began hearing argument yesterday morning. Mandela's two co-accused in the trial, Xoliswa Falati and John Morgan, are also appealing against their convictions. Falati, who used to live in Mandela's home, was sentenced to six years and Morgan, Mandela's driver, received a 12-month suspended sentence.
None of the appellants appeared yesterday at the court, which will sit until Friday. Judgment is not expected for three or four weeks. If Mandela loses, she will be jailed.
In Mandela's favour is the fact that the appeal is based exclusively on the evidence and findings of the trial itself. Since then, both Falati and Morgan have told the press that they lied in court to save Mandela's skin. They said they had corroborated her alibi when in fact she had participated in the assaults. But these allegations will not influence the judges' findings.
Nelson Mandela stood by his wife during the trial but was separated from her a year ago.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments