Mandla Mandela to appeal assault conviction

Mthatha — Mandla Mandela, the grandson of late former president Nelson Mandela, is appealing both his sentence and conviction for assault.

This was revealed at the Mthatha Regional Court yesterday morning, shortly after Magistrate Noluthando Conjwa sentenced the Mvezo chief to two years imprisonment with an option of a R10,000 fine, R2,000 of which has been suspended for a year. If he fails to pay he will go to jail for a year.

The sentence has the condition that Mandela is not found guilty with a similar offence in the said period.

However Mandela’s lawyer, advocate Deon Pool rose and addressed Conjwa as soon as she handed down her sentence, and informed the court that he had instructions to appeal both the sentence and conviction.

In March, Conjwa found Mandela, 40, guilty of assault with intent to do grievous body harm.

His sentencing began with a few glitches. An objection was raised by Mandela’s legal team after it appeared that Conjwa — who was approached by the SABC in chambers to ask if proceedings could be recorded — granted permission without their consent.

After a short adjournment and submissions in court by both the State — which supported the SABC application — and the defence, Conjwa ruled that the media be allowed to record proceedings “in the interest of the public’s right to information”.

Mandela — wearing a black suit, tie and white shirt — stared straight at the magistrate as she read her sentencing.

Conjwa said Mandela’s conduct on the day in question when he beat up Mthatha teacher, Mlamli Ngudle, was contrary to behaviour expected from a member of Parliament.

“By virtue of his position in society, the accused ought to have known better. But instead he acted like a wounded lion charging towards its prey. He took the law into his own hands.

“As a person responsible for the enactment of the law as a member of Parliament, he chose to get involved in what can best be described as a road-rage incident,” Conjwa said.

Mandela’s attorney, Billy Gundelfinger, declined to comment. “I’ve to prepare for the application that we are going to bring before court. I can only talk thereafter,” he said. — AFP