Winnie’s Qunu claim ‘not opportunistic’ – lawyer

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s lawyer has denied claims that his client ‘opportunistically’ waited until Nelson Mandela died to claim ownership of the Qunu property, says a report in The Star. It notes Madikizela-Mandela filed papers in the Eastern Cape High Court (Mthatha) last October, applying for the Qunu property to be handed back to her. She said its registration in the former President’s name was unlawful and should be set aside. She claimed in court papers that the site where the Qunu house had been built was allocated to her in 1989 while Mandela was still in prison. Last Monday, Advocate George Bizos, in papers filed in response to Madikizela-Mandela’s claim, accused her of ‘opportunistically’ waiting until Mandela died before claiming ownership of the property. Madikizela-Mandela’s lawyer reportedly told The Star they could not have lodged an application earlier because no one knew the contents of the will. Mvuzo Notyesi said his client had received a copy of the will only last August.

Full report in The Star