More evidence has emerged during South Africa's Truth Commission hearing about the activities of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and her group of supporters, known as the Mandela United Football Club.

A senior pathologist gave details about the killing of the 14-year-old anti-apartheid activist Stompie Moketsi. Patricia Klep told the Commission that Stompie died as a result of three stab wounds to the neck.

This goes some way to support allegations made by another witness, Katiza Cebekulu. He claimed that he saw Mrs Mandela herself stab Stompie.

Katiza Cebekulu: 'Winnie stabbed Stompie'

Although Mrs Mandela was found guilty in 1991 of kidnapping the boy, the coach of the "Mandela United Football Club", Jerry Richardson, was convicted of his murder.

Other witnesses at Tuesday's hearing said that Mrs Mandela and her daughter, Zindzi, were responsible for assaulting people whom they suspected of being police informers during the late 1980s.

Winnie implicated in doctor's murder

Earlier in the day, a convicted murderer alleged that Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, President Mandela's former wife, offered him money to kill her personal doctor.

Thulani Dlamini, who is in prison for murdering Doctor Abu Baker Asvat in January 1989, said Winnie Mandela had offered to pay him 20,000 rand ($4,200) to carry out the assassination.

Winnie Mandela is expected to give testimony herself later this week.

Dlamini's testimony came on the seventh day of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearing probing 18 human rights crimes, including eight murders, linked to Winnie Mandela.

He is the third key witness to offer shaky and contradictory murder allegations against Mrs Mandela. She also faces claims of torture, kidnapping and assault.

Last week, Zakhele Mbatha, also jailed for the doctor's murder, made similar allegations.

Several commissioners have admitted feeling confused in the face of contradictory statements, retracted evidence and the silence of some witnesses who denied involvement with Winnie Mandela.

"We've heard lots of lies, half-lies, truths, half-truths," said the Truth Commission Deputy Chairman, Alex Boraine.

Hopes for political power fade

In another blow to Mr Mandela's former wife, the Women's League of his ruling African National Congress (ANC), which Winnie heads is about to reverse its support of her for the post of party Deputy President.

The Johannesburg Star newspaper said the League, which originally nominated Winnie Mandela for the powerful position, will meet this week to rethink its support.

Elections to the top six positions in the ANC will be held when the party holds its 50th national conference from December 16 to 20.

Mrs Mandela had demanded that her own hearing before the Truth Commission be in public so she could clear her name ahead of the elections.

The Commission is seeking to shed light on apartheid-era crimes in the name of national reconciliation,
 

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