Mandela's grandson embroiled in grave shifting fight with family

Former South African President, Nelson Mandela's grandson Mandla Mandela has been fighting a court order for burial site of Mandela's deceased children.

Police spokesperson Mzukisi Fatyela said that sixteen family members had lodged a complaint against Mandla at the Bityi police station. They want him to shift the remains of three family members, he had moved to Mvezi in 2011, back to Qunu.

The graves are those of Mandela's eldest son, Mandla's father, Makgato Mandela who died in 2005.

Graves also include that of Mandela's first daughter Makaziwe and second son, Madiba Thembekile.

Now, as the death of the anti-apartheid hero is looming, the fight over the reburial of these family members has become of public family feud. Mandela earlier had expressed his wish publicly to be buried at his ancestral village, Qunu.

According the reports, Mandla's counsel, Phillip Zilwa, said in the court that he had not been given proper court papers for moving the remains by June 29.

Tuesday's hearing was attended by Mandela's eldest daughter Makaziwe Mandela, his grandson Ndaba and granddaughter Ndileka. The family said they are only acting on behalf of the expressed wishes that Nelson Mandela wanted everyone buried together.

The Eastern Cape High Court in the southern city of Mthatha ordered Mandla to transfer the remains by Wednesday. Mandla allegedly moved the graves to Mvezi, the birthplace of Mandela, without the rest of the family's consent in 2011 to build a tourist destination in Mvezo.

Many South Africans believe the family's arguments are tarnishing the legacy of their beloved ex-president.