Fifteen people in South Africa are facing fraud charges relating to the funeral of the former president, Nelson Mandela, in 2013.
They include prominent members of the ruling African National Congress in the Eastern Cape province. They have not commented on the allegations.
Prosecutors accuse them of corruption and money-laundering amounting to nearly $700,000 (£500,000).
Mandela was the country’s first black leader after apartheid ended in 1994.
The allegations first emerged 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 facing charges include the health minister of Eastern Cape province, Sindiswa Gomba, a number of business figures, and other lawmakers from the governing ANC.
Among them are regional chair Pumlani Mkolo, former Buffalo City metro mayor Zukiswa Ncitha and council speaker Luleka Simon-Ndzele.
Prosecutors allege they made fraudulent claims for the transportation of mourners and venues used in the city of East London for memorial services.
They were granted bail and are expected to appear on 5 March.
“This matter is coming back to the roll after it was withdrawn in 2019 in order for the investigation to tighten up the loose ends and add more charges,” Sipho Ngwema, the national spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, was quoted as saying by news site EWN.
Latest Stories
-
Boeing strike ends as workers accept new contract
37 mins -
GAF will not relent in its quest to counter external threats – GOC Southern Command
40 mins -
Election 2024: Bawumia reiterates commitment to promote sustainable mining practices
41 mins -
Ensign Global College promotes health and community well-being at Ngmayem Festival 2024
44 mins -
Bobrisky reveals reason for leaving Nigeria
1 hour -
Tiwa Savage discloses ‘craziest thing I’ve ever done for love’
1 hour -
US states worried about election unrest take security precautions
2 hours -
Modi condemns violence after Canada temple incident
2 hours -
Barcelona hit by new flood as rescuers search Valencia basement car park
2 hours -
Labadi Beach Hotel pays over GH¢16m as dividend to SSNIT
2 hours -
Elon Musk can keep giving $1m to voters, judge rules
2 hours -
Election must not divide us, government will protect each citizen – Akufo Addo
3 hours -
Novel way to beat dengue: Deaf mosquitoes stop having sex
3 hours -
Trial begins over beheading of teacher who showed Prophet Muhammed cartoon
3 hours -
‘See you soon’ – Bobrisky jets out of Nigeria
3 hours