George Herald | Mandela car crash trial postponed

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Mandela car crash trial postponed
12:56 (GMT+2), Thu, 26 April 2012

NATIONAL NEWS - The trial of the driver in a car crash that killed 13-year-old Zenani Mandela was postponed in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

"I am bemoaned (sic) that the State had not made available all the documents in a clip of the police docket," defence lawyer Ken Oldwadge told the court.

"I am under the impression that this trial is not run fairly by the State."

Oldwadge asked for a postponement after the State said it was ready to present evidence that the defence did not have on Thursday morning.

The State told the court it was not aware that the defence was not in possession of all the documentation.

Sizwe Mankazana, 25, a friend of the Mandela family, was taking home former president Nelson Mandela's great-granddaughter after the World Cup opening ceremony on June 11, 2010, when they crashed. The Mercedes Benz hit the steel barrier along the M1 north, before the double-decker section of the highway. Part of the barrier penetrated the car.

Mankazana faces charges of culpable homicide and reckless or negligent driving.

Accompanied by other family members, Nelson Mandela's ex-wife and ANC MP Winnie Madikizela-Mandela sat outside the court room.

The trial was postponed to August 20 and was set down for seven days.

Source : Sapa