Mandela's grandson faces charges of assault

Former South African president Nelson Mandela's grandson Mandla Mandela appeared in the Mthatha Regional Court in the Eastern Cape on Thursday to face two charges of assault.

The charges include assault with intent to do grievously bodily harm and pointing a firearm to the complainant.

Mandla was accompanied by his team of defense attorneys. A group of the complainant's family members were also present.

The violent incident happened in October last year when Mandla allegedly assaulted 44-year-old teacher Mlamli Ngudle after the latter bumped into a car driven by one of Mandla's business associates.

A war of words allegedly broke out and later there was manhandling and an alleged pointing of a firearm.

Mandla's defense attorney, Advocate Kenny Oldwage, told the court that as his client and team of attorneys only received the docket on Thursday morning, they need more time to scrutinize its contents.

The case has been postponed to Feb. 24 for further consultation between the defense attorneys and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Mandla Mandela was out on a warning after his brief court appearance, according to the South African Broadcasting Corporation.