JOHANNESBURG (AP) - A granddaughter of Nelson Mandela has harshly criticized a longtime associate of the former president and anti-apartheid leader, in an escalation of a dispute over funds linked to one of the world's most revered figures.

Tukwini Mandela accused lawyer George Bizos of insulting her mother, slandering the Mandela family name and spreading "blatant lies and innuendo" in a bitter rift over control of two companies linked to 94-year-old Mandela.

Tukwini's mother, Makaziwe Mandela, and Makaziwe's sister Zenani have filed a court case against Bizos and two other associates of Nelson Mandela, alleging they have no right to remain as directors of the companies.

This week, The Star newspaper quoted Bizos as saying Makaziwe Mandela's goal is to take company money, estimated to be $1.3 million.

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(Photo: AP Photo/Peter Dejong, file)