Wisani insists witnesses ‘fabricated’ information
JOHANNESBURG: Former ANC Youth League leader Patrick Wisani has told the court that charges laid against him were all fabricated by witnesses in an elaborate conspiracy against him.
Wisani, charged with murder, assault and intimidation, allegedly beat his girlfriend, Nosipho Mandleleni, to death with a broomstick and sjambok at a Yeoville house last September. An assault and intimidation charge was laid against him in May after he allegedly assaulted and threatened Nosipho’s sister and State witness Siphokazi Mandleleni and her friend Zimbini Mathibe.
Yesterday, Wisani, who is defending himself, applied for the trial to be discharged. He criticised the testimonies of the majority of the State’s witnesses. His application was rejected.
Judge Mohamed Ismail said: “Why would they come to court and lie and get an innocent person convicted of murder when they know the real murderer will get off ?”
Wisani responded that Mathibe held a grudge against him because they had previously dated and their break-up was unpleasant. He claimed that he didn’t have a good relationship with his housemate, Zukiswa Solani, who had testified she heard Wisani and Nosipho arguing loudly on the morning of her death.
Judge Ismail pointed out that the witnesses had gone to remarkable lengths then to implicate Wisani if indeed they fabricated information. “They are not only liars, they are dangerous people who will commit perjury and even inflict injuries on themselves… That is very cunning.”
Wisani said: “I don’t think they understand their actions. I don’t think they even know what perjury is.” The trial is expected to continue today.