WORLD IN BRIEF : SOUTH AFRICA : Mrs. Mandela’s Case Is Assailed by ANC

The African National Congress, which had largely withheld comment about the prosecution of Winnie Mandela, said that her trial was “blatant harassment” by white authorities. Mandela, the wife of ANC leader Nelson Mandela, has been charged in a 1988 incident in which four youths were allegedly taken to her house and beaten. One of the youths was killed. Her trial is scheduled to begin Feb. 4. Seven of Mrs. Mandela’s former bodyguards also face charges in the case. Mrs. Mandela could face the death penalty if she is convicted of all assault and kidnaping charges. She has denied any wrongdoing.