A report in Sunday World has revealed that late hip-hop star HHP, real name Jabulani Tsambo, excluded his customary wife Lerato Sengadi from his will.
They report that the rapper’s 14-year-old son Leano, whose mother also died late last year, now stands to inherit everything, though the courts may still have the final say in the matter.
HHP committed suicide last year at home after a long struggle with depression.
The Tsambo family reportedly confirmed the star’s final wishes, while Sengadi said she didn’t want to comment.
Last year, Sengadi’s application for an interdict to halt the official civic funeral for HHP found in her favour with regards to her status as Tsambo’s customary wife.
The family had argued that Sengadi was not recognised by them as a makoti (bride) and, as such, had no rights to make the requests she made.
She was also demanding access to HHP’s assets, among which were his Randpark Ridge home, his music catalogue, royalties and image rights.
Sengadi admitted that she and Tsambo had experienced marital troubles but stated she remained committed to doing what was required of her as a wife.
Her status as his customary wife was primarily what was in question in court and her legal counsel countered the claims of Tsambo’s family by sharing various pieces of evidence that showed the basic requirements for a customary marriage had been met.
The court denied Sengadi’s interdict to stop the funeral in Mahikeng but reminded the family they had granted her permission to attend the proceedings.
In March this year, the family was granted leave to appeal the ruling affirming her as HHP’s customary wife.
If she ends up winning the case, she will be entitled to half of the deceased estate even though she was excluded from the will. If she loses, Leano is likely to get everything.
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