The late Kwaito artist Mapaputsi trended on X on Monday after it was reported that his body was held at ransom by his friend.
The popular musician, real name Sandile Ngwenya passed away on Thursday, 5 September at 45 years.
The South African reports that Mapaputsi’s family alleges that a friend of the artist held his body for ransom after his death.
It is believed his friend informed his family that he would help transport his body from a Durban morgue to Johannesburg at no cost.
The family later found out that the friend had attempted to extort money from them. He [the friend] reportedly said they should use a funeral company he selected.
When the family refused, the friend allegedly threatened them, and said they wouldn’t receive Mapaputsi’s body.
Celebrity blog, Maphepha Ndaba revealed on Tuesday, 10 September that the friend claimed they couldn’t retrieve the body unless they paid R50 000 for the death certificate.
“Mapaputsi’s dangerous tsotsi friend demands R50 000 from his family, or else they won’t get to bury him,” reports the outlet.
It is reported the friend also requested Mapaputsi’s mother’s bank details without giving a reason for why he needed them.
The police, an anti-corruption organisation, and the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture reportedly had to intervene to secure Mapaputsi’s body and the necessary documentation.
Mapaputsi’s family confirms in a statement to IOL that the music legend passed away on Thursday evening in hospital following a short illness.
The family also expresses their appreciation for the outpouring support and requests privacy to deal with his passing.
Zimoja revealed in May that the fan-favourite South African kwaito star was bedridden at his Soweto home.
A source close to the musician revealed to the publication that Ngwenya fell ill towards the end of 2023.
