The sign language interpreter ridiculed for his incoherent translation of the Mandela memorial service has faced a multitude of criminal charges in the past , including murder , attempted murder and kidnapping , South African news network eNCA reported on Friday . ` ` Fake interpreter '' acquitted of rape and murder in the 1990s , news agency reported . Thamsanqa Jantjie was found guilty of theft in 1995 , according to police reports . He was standing close to world dignitaries during Mandela 's memorial service . He says he suffers from schizophrenia and is undergoing treatment .
` ` Fake interpreter '' acquitted of rape and murder in the 1990s , news agency reported . Thamsanqa Jantjie was found guilty of theft in 1995 , according to police reports . He was standing close to world dignitaries during Mandela 's memorial service . He says he suffers from schizophrenia and is undergoing treatment .