A shocking and heartbreaking family feud has erupted in Johannesburg following the death of 67-year-old Joseph Maoto, who left behind not only his estate — but also a scandal that has stunned the nation.
Joseph had been married to 52-year-old Thembi for 12 years. Although Thembi entered the marriage with three children from a previous relationship, Joseph embraced them as his own. However, the couple never had children together, something that reportedly weighed heavily on Joseph’s heart.
Everything changed when Joseph reconnected with his long-lost daughter, Melisa, who was born from a previous relationship during his younger years in Limpopo. A DNA test later confirmed that Melisa was, in fact, his biological daughter. Overjoyed by this discovery, Joseph was eager to introduce Melisa to his wife.
Unfortunately, the introduction turned bitter. Thembi allegedly refused to accept Melisa into their lives and barred her from their home. This rejection caused Joseph deep emotional pain, and his health began to deteriorate shortly after.
In a shocking twist, Joseph secretly took matters into his own hands. Without informing Thembi, he went to Home Affairs and legally married Melisa — his own daughter — under a community of property arrangement. He updated all his official documents, changed his surname, revised his will, and left 100% of his estate to Melisa.
When Joseph passed away, Thembi was blindsided. She soon discovered that Melisa, now legally his wife on paper, was the sole heir to his estate — including the family home, vehicles, and a tavern that Joseph had owned. According to legal experts, Thembi and her three children have no claim to any of Joseph’s assets because the law recognizes Melisa as his legal spouse.
A court notice has since been served, ordering Thembi and her children to vacate the property by 7 August. But Thembi is reportedly refusing to leave, leading to a heated legal showdown.
Many South Africans are struggling to come to terms with the disturbing nature of the case. While Joseph’s actions were legally binding, the morality and emotional trauma surrounding his decision to marry his own daughter have left the public divided and heartbroken.
What was supposed to be a story of family reunion has turned into a painful saga of betrayal, secrets, and a fierce battle over inheritance. Thembi, who spent more than a decade by Joseph’s side, now finds herself with nothing — while Melisa, once rejected, stands to inherit it all.
As the eviction deadline approaches, all eyes are on the courts to see how this unprecedented case unfolds. One thing is certain: this story will leave scars on everyone involved. 💔⚖️
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