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.
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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.
He told the Associated Press Thursday that he was hallucinating during the service, and he saw "angels come to the stadium." Jantjie also said he sometimes reacts violently when faced with these hallucinations.
As for Jantjie's criminal history, eNCA reported several charges were dropped because he was mentally unfit to stand trial. He was convicted of theft and acquitted of the rape charge.
The resolution of the murder charge is unknown, as "the court file is mysteriously empty," and Jantjie would not comment to eNCA about the case.
On the day of the service, Jantjie was due for a biannual mental health checkup, the AP reported, at which doctors would determine if he should move into a mental health facility. Jantjie has apologized for the incident and asked for forgiveness from anyone he offended.
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