Fake Nelson Mandela Interpreter Previously Charged With Kidnapping, Murder, Rape

The security lapse that allowed a potentially schizophrenic "fake" sign language interpreter to work at one of the most world-leader-attended events in recent memory continues to get worse and worse. The latest news is that Thamsanqa Jantjie, who signed gibberish over Nelson Mandela's memorial has been charged with kidnapping, rape and murder over the last two decades.

eNCA's investigations have found that Thamsanqa Jantjie, who is being treated for schizophrenia, has also faced rape (1994), theft (1995), housebreaking (1997), malicious damage to property (1998), murder, attempted murder and kidnapping (2003) charges.

Many of the charges brought against him were dropped, allegedly because he was mentally unfit to stand trial.

(via)

That same man stood mere feet away from some of the world's most influential people, including US President Barack Obama. It was revealed shortly after the ceremony that the man next to the podium was signing complete gibberish.

The AP tracked Jantjie down and he revealed details of how he saw the ceremony (which was very reminiscent of a "schizophrenic break"):

What happened that day, I see angels come to the stadium ... I start realizing that the problem is here. And the problem, I don't know the attack of this problem, how will it comes. Sometimes I react violent on that place. Sometimes I will see things that chase me," Jantjie said. 

The company that hired Jantjie for one of the biggest events of the year has subsequently vanished.

Nelson Mandela passed away last week and has since recieved tributes from many world leaders and several musicians.

(h/t to Gawker)