The recent passing of kwaito icon Sandile Ngwenya, widely known as Mapaputsi, has brought immense sorrow to his fans and family. Unfortunately, this grief has been exacerbated by a distressing situation involving the exploitation of the bereaved family by individuals seeking financial gain.
As the family mourns the loss of their beloved Sandile—a cherished father, son, and friend—they are contending with attempts to exploit their vulnerability. According to an anonymous family member, “Some individuals have exploited this time of grief, seeking to manipulate and profit from our sorrow.”
The exploitation began when a person, claiming to be a friend of Mapaputsi, volunteered to help transport his body from Durban. Despite initially appearing as a gesture of goodwill, this offer was later revealed to be a pretext for financial extortion. “He claimed to handle all expenses as a favor,” the family member recounted. “But as the arrangements progressed, he began to obstruct our efforts, insisting we use an undertaker of his choice.”
The situation deteriorated when this so-called friend held Mapaputsi’s body hostage, demanding R50,000 for its release and storage, despite the family’s preference for a different undertaker. The family faced intense pressure and intimidation, leading to a breakdown in communication and an invasion of their privacy by these so-called mourners. “We have been subjected to abuse and intimidation, and our privacy has been violated,” another family member said.
The family managed to recover the body and necessary documents only after a prolonged standoff involving local authorities, the Funeral Industry Reformed Association (FIRA), and the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture. This ordeal has taken a significant toll on Mapaputsi’s ill mother, adding to the family’s distress.
Adding to the family’s turmoil, an individual with a similar surname to the late kwaito star attempted to obtain financial aid from the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture, claiming to represent the family without their authorization. “He has used the surname to seek funds as if he represents us, despite not being appointed,” the family member explained. “Industry figures have also intimidated our chosen representative, further complicating the situation.”
The family has appealed to the public to respect their mourning period and allow them to grieve in peace. “We have lost not only a celebrated artist but also a father, uncle, and dear friend,” a family member stated. “We hoped Sandile would be present at significant family milestones, but now we face this distressing ordeal.”
While the family welcomes genuine support, they insist on their right to manage the arrangements for Mapaputsi’s memorial and funeral in their own way. They will announce the details of the services when they are ready.