Winnie gets four years for fraud

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela's life and reputation is in tatters after she was jailed for four years for fraud.

The 66-year-old known as the Mother of the Nation to her many supporters in South Africa, immediately resigned as an MP and also her positions as a member of the executive committee of the governing African National Congress and the head of the ANC Women's League.

She said she had made a personal decision to resign but would confer with the leadership of the ANC.

"I will remain a dedicated, committed and loyal member of the ANC," she said.

"I intend to spend my time henceforth to do the work that I started in my early life and to bind my destiny with everyone with whom I share the ideals of a just South Africa."

The former wife of South Africa's first black president Nelson Mandela, she was jailed for five years with one suspended.

Her co-defendant Addy Moolman who was also found guilty of fraud and theft and was jailed for seven years, with two years suspended.

Pending possible appeal, the judge released both on bail. Their lawyers say the pair will appeal against the convictions.

Madikizela-Mandela could be eligible for parole after serving just one sixth of her sentence.

Police mounted on horses sealed off and patrolled the area around the court and sniffer dogs scoured the Pretoria courtroom. Police warned motorists to avoid the area near the court because of heavy security measures. This follows a threat by the Congress of South African Students that they would shut the city down and do anything in their power to demonstrate their dissatisfaction at Madikizela-Mandela's sentencing.

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