Report: Mandela Interpreter's Murky Past Includes Murder and Rape Charges

The sign language interpreter for Nelson Mandela's memorial service has a checkered past that includes murder and rape charges, according to a report by South Africa-based eNews Channel Africa (eNCA)

Thamsanqa Jantjie, who is being treated for schizophrenia, faced charges for murder, attempted murder and kidnapping in 2003, rape in 1994, theft in 1995, breaking and entering in 1997 and malicious damage to property in 1998, eNCA reported.

Jantjie stood on stage at a soccer stadium in Johannesburg for more than three hours Tuesday, providing sign language translations — which were later revealed to be gibberish — for speeches from world leaders including President Barack Obama, South African President Jacob Zuma and Cuban President Raúl Castro. Read more...