Police gear up for Winnie hearing

2003-04-25 09:27

Pretoria - Police cordoned off the Pretoria regional court on Friday as student supporters of "Mother of the Nation" Winnie Madikizela-Mandela threatened to riot if she was sent to prison on fraud and theft charges.

"We are prepared to do anything in our power to ensure she is not in jail," said Julius Malema, the president of the Congress of South African Students.

"If it means burning the prison she is locked in, so be it," he said.

Police spokesperson Morné van Wyk told SABC radio that any illegal marches would be dealt with.

Cosas called on school pupils and students to go to Pretoria to show support for the ex-wife of former president Nelson Mandela.

Madikizela-Mandela was convicted on Thursday on 43 charges of fraud and 25 of theft in connection with bank loans to fictitious employees of the African National Congress Women's League, which she chairs. She is honorary president of Cosas.

Could lose her seat in parliament

Her co-accused, broker Addy Moolman, was convicted on 58 charges of fraud and 25 of theft.

Their lawyers were due to present arguments on Friday in mitigation of sentence before magistrate Peet Johnson.

The pair face penalties ranging from a fine to 15 years in prison.

Under the constitution, if sentenced to more than a year in prison, Madikizela-Mandela will lose her seat as an ANC member of parliament.

- AFX