The Gauteng Division of the High Court delivered a significant judgment on 23 March 2026 in a matter involving the estate of former political leader Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota. Lekota, a founding figure and longtime president of the Congress of the People (COPE), passed away on 4 March 2026 after a period of serious ill health. The case centered on allegations that substantial funds were withdrawn from his bank accounts while he was incapacitated and unable to manage his own affairs, prompting legal action by his estranged wife, Cynthia Lekota.

According to legal records and evidence presented in court, Lekota’s health steadily deteriorated from around 2018 when he suffered a stroke and later battled prostate cancer. After further medical setbacks in 2025, including knee surgery and subsequent neurological decline, concern grew over his capacity to understand and handle financial and legal matters. In early 2026, Cynthia Lekota launched an ex parte application seeking access to medical reports, clarity around his mental capacity, and the appointment of a court‑appointed practitioner to oversee his legal and financial affairs.

Legal Battle Over Mosiuoa Lekota’s Finances Ends in Gauteng High Court Ruling

The court heard that at the time of his illness, Lekota was living in Midrand, Gauteng, with his partner, Advocate Luzelle Adams, and their 16‑year‑old son, while Cynthia resided in Bloemfontein. Although the couple had been married in community of property since 1975, they had lived separately since 2010. During the period in question, substantial amounts more than R1 million were transferred from Lekota’s bank accounts to accounts connected with Adams. In particular, R600 000 was paid to Adams between March 2025 and February 2026, with additional transfers made shortly after Cynthia’s court application was filed.

Medical reports prepared for the court indicated that Lekota exhibited severe cognitive impairment. A neurologist’s assessment in January 2026 found that, while he had some physical stability, his mental functioning was significantly compromised, with poor concentration and memory. A neurosurgeon later concluded that Lekota lacked the capacity to manage his finances or legal affairs as far back as May 2025.

In his judgment, Judge Anthony Millar was scathing in his assessment of Adams’ conduct. The judge found that she had exerted control over Lekota’s joint estate without the knowledge or consent of Cynthia Lekota and without any legal authority to act on her partner’s behalf. Millar emphasised that, as a legal practitioner, Adams should have recognised Lekota’s incapacity and refrained from unilaterally handling his financial affairs. The court also criticised her lack of cooperation with the family and failure to adequately explain the withdrawals when faced with legal scrutiny.

As part of the court’s orders, Judge Millar formally declared that Lekota was of “unsound mind and incapable of managing his own affairs.” He ruled that Adams must pay the legal costs and directed that the judgment be referred to the Legal Practice Council, the Johannesburg Society of Advocates, and the Legal Practitioners’ Fidelity Fund for possible professional discipline. The ruling underscores the expectation that legal practitioners must act ethically when dealing with vulnerable clients, particularly where issues of capacity and consent are in play.

Mosiuoa Lekota was a prominent figure in South African politics, having helped establish COPE in 2008 after departing the African National Congress. He served as COPE’s leader until his death and was widely recognised for his anti‑apartheid activism and long public service. His passing and the circumstances of the court dispute have drawn both public attention and legal scrutiny.

The High Court’s ruling serves as a reminder that courts will intervene where there is credible evidence of incapacity and potential misuse of an incapacitated person’s resources. It also highlights the responsibilities of legal professionals to protect the interests of those who are vulnerable, rather than exploit them.