Winnie was a freedom fighter — and more
Dear Editor,
Winnie Mandela is being rightfully praised for her role in undermining the system of Apartheid. However, it would be prudent for public officials to desist from whitewashing her legacy.
It should not be forgotten that Winnie Madikizela-Mandela established the dastardly Mandela United Football Club, whose members enforced loyalty to to her through the use of brute force.
Throughout her life Winnie Mandela was involved in controversy. Her image received a detrimental blow in 1991 when she was convicted of kidnapping and assaulting police informant Stompie Sepei , who was just 14. Due to the advocacy of her attorneys, Winnie was able to evade a prison sentence. Her life was also plagued by allegations of theft and fraud. Many may not remember, but in 2004 she was convicted of bank fraud.
The late Winnie Mandela was a freedom fighter, but we must not remember her as a saint.
Lipton Matthews
lo_matthews@yahoo.com