Jail Xmas for Winnie's pal
2005-12-07 22:55
Johannesburg - Christmas in prison - that's what Addy Moolman, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela's co-accused in a fraud case, is facing.
Moolman was found guilty on 58 charges, in connection with Saambou loan applications by so-called members of the African National Congress's Women's League.
Madikizela-Mandela was found guilty on 43.
Moolman was sentenced to four years' imprisonment, and Madikizela-Mandela's sentence was suspended.
Moolman based his last effort for leave to appeal on what he said was unconstitutional and discriminating treatment by the court towards him with regard to the sentence imposed on Madikizela-Mandela.
He wanted leave to appeal to prove that his sentence should have been suspended as well.
However, eight Appeal Court judges unanimously ruled on Wednesday that Moolman's application for leave to appeal be rejected.
The judges said: "The Constutitional Court deliberated the leave to appeal and came to the conclusion that it would not be in the interests of justice to grant it as chances were slim that Moolman's appeal would be successful."
There remains little else for Moolman to do, but to start serving his sentence.
Usually a sentenced person, who is out on bail pending appeal applications, has 14 days after the final appeal ruling to report to the police or prison to start serving his/her sentence.
In Moolman's case, this means he must be in prison before or on December 21.