Winnie Mandela Is Convicted of Fraud, Theft
PRETORIA, South Africa — Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and her broker were convicted on dozens of counts of fraud and theft Thursday, which could send the anti-apartheid heroine to jail.
Madikizela-Mandela, a member of parliament and ex-wife of former President Nelson Mandela, was found guilty on 43 counts of fraud and 25 of theft. Broker Addy Moolman was convicted on 58 counts of fraud and 25 of theft. Sentencing was expected today.
Prosecutors said letters bearing Madikizela-Mandela’s signature were used to secure loans for bogus employees of the Women’s League of the ruling African National Congress. Her lawyers accused Moolman, bank staff and league employees of lying about her role.
Both were found guilty of the theft charges, which stem from allegations that they set up a phony funeral insurance scheme and then pilfered money.
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