It is believed after Mapaputsi’s death, his friend informed his family that he would help transport his body from 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.
RIP:
Sandile Ngwenya aka Mapaputsi
The Kwaito legend passed away following an illness.
He was 45 years old.
#RIPMapaputsi pic.twitter.com/gimIbXazsW
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) September 6, 2024
KWAITO LEGEND: CAUSE OF DEATH
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.
SOUTH AFRICANS REACT: ‘ARREST HIM’
@RegoSmurf: “We’ve all heard the sermon from our elders about the friends you keep. But this one inja (dog) straight.”
@Mndeni361: “This unscrupulous friend is clearly a member in good standing of the KZN extortion mafia.”
@IntrovertWanted: “The friend should be investigated. You will be surprised he has a hand in Mapaputsis death for insurance cashouts. Life is full of surprises.”
@Natty3_LFC: “Using someone’s death to enrich yourself is insane.”