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WINNIE MANDELA

JOHANNESBURG. — Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s lawyers confirmed that they had filed papers in court yesterday challenging the estate of former president Nelson Mandela, seeking the rights to his home in Qunu, Eastern Cape.“The papers have been filed in the Mthatha High Court,” her attorney Mvuzo Notyesi said.

“It has been sent to the respondent.”

Notyesi would not give any further detail.

In August, Notyesi reportedly wrote to deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke, a co-executor of the will.

In the letter, Notyesi argued that AbaThembu custom dictated that the rights to the property go to Madikizela-Mandela and her descendants.

“This position becomes applicable irrespective of whether the wife was divorced or not,” Notyesi was quoted as writing. “It is only in this home that the children and grandchildren of Mrs Madikizela-Mandela can conduct their own customs and tradition . . .”

Madikizela-Mandela, 78, who was the former statesman’s second wife, for 38 years, was left out of Mandela’s will, which was announced in February following his death on December 5. — Sapa.