Winnie Madikizela-Mandela today called charges against her "a pack of lies" during her trial for alleged fraud and theft
"I have listened to a pack of lies," the defiant ex-wife of former South African President Nelson Mandela told a South African court in response to testimony by state witnesses.
South Africa's former first lady, who is president of the African National Congress Women's League (ANCWL), and broker Addy Moolman face 60 charges of fraud and 25 charges of theft involving some one million rand (€115,000).
The state has alleged that letters on ANCWL-headed paper, bearing Madikizela-Mandela's signature, were used fraudulently to obtain loans from Saambou Bank in the name of bogus league employees.
"This is a sick law if I sit here charged for obtaining loans for people and I did not benefit from them. What would I have to gain?" Madikizela-Mandela said.
Her secretary, Ms Yvonne Martins, who turned state witness, had told the court Madikizela-Mandela had signed a loan-application letter for a jobless woman and stated the woman was in the employ of the ANCWL.
Martins said she compiled the letter at the request of her boss and then took it to her to sign.
Madikizela-Mandela on Friday denied knowlege of having signed the letter and queried Martins' memory for details.
Both Madikizela-Mandela and Moolman have pleaded not guilty. They face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
The case was adjourned to April 22nd, when judgment is expected.