Isaac Amuah arrives at court in Johannesburg, February 11 for an extradition hearing. Amuah, the son-in-law of former president Nelson Mandela, is accused of sexual assault in Connecticut. (AP Photo)
JOHANNESBURG, February 11 (AP): A South African court on Friday refused a U.S. request that the son-in-law of former South African President Nelson Mandela be sent to Connecticut to face sexual assault charges.
Magistrate Tefo Myambo ruled in Isaac Amuah's favor at an extradition hearing in Johannesburg, saying he was convinced the accuser was alleging rape to try to get money.
Amuah, a former professor at Manchester Community Technical College, left Connecticut 12 years ago while facing the charges, which he denies.
Amuah and his wife Makaziwe Mandela, Mandela's eldest daughter, left soon after the ruling without speaking to reporters.
Amuah's spokesman, Tonny Sauls, said: "The American authorities need to get their house in order before making accusations like this."
Amuah is accused of sexually assaulting a 34-year-old student inside his Connecticut apartment in 1993. He was given permission to travel to South Africa while the case was pending and never returned.
Magistrate Tefo Myambo ruled in Isaac Amuah's favor at an extradition hearing in Johannesburg, saying he was convinced the accuser was alleging rape to try to get money.
Amuah, a former professor at Manchester Community Technical College, left Connecticut 12 years ago while facing the charges, which he denies.
Amuah and his wife Makaziwe Mandela, Mandela's eldest daughter, left soon after the ruling without speaking to reporters.
Amuah's spokesman, Tonny Sauls, said: "The American authorities need to get their house in order before making accusations like this."
Amuah is accused of sexually assaulting a 34-year-old student inside his Connecticut apartment in 1993. He was given permission to travel to South Africa while the case was pending and never returned.
