Fifteen people in South Africa are facing fraud charges regarding the funeral of former president Nelson Mandela in 2013.
These include prominent members of the ruling African National Congress in the Eastern Cape province. They did not comment on the allegations.
Prosecutors are accused of corruption and money laundering amounting to almost $ 700,000 (£ 500,000).
Mandela was the country’s first black leader after apartheid ended in 1994.
The allegations first appeared in 2014, months after Mandela’s funeral in Qunu, Eastern Cape, in December 2013, which was attended by heads of state from around the world.
Those on trial include Eastern Cape Province Health Minister Sindiswa Gomba, a number of businessmen and other ANC lawmakers.
Among them are regional chairman Pumlani Mkolo, former Buffalo City mayor Zukiswa Ncitha and council speaker Luleka Simon-Ndzele.
Prosecutors allege they made fraudulent claims for transporting mourners and places used in the city of East London for memorial services.
Bail has been granted to them and is expected to appear on March 5.
“The case comes up again after it was withdrawn in 2019 in order to sharpen the catwalk and add more charges,” said Sipho Ngwema, national spokesperson for the national prosecuting authority, according to news. EWN website.
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