Godfrey Thobela, the father of late veteran boxer Dingaan Thobela, and his grandchildren appeared at the Johannesburg High Court over the estate of his late son. The pensioner first asked that the court grant DNA tests for two of his grandchildren to determine if they are indeed Dingaan’s own prior to the sharing of his estate. He later asked for all his grandchildren to undergo the paternity tests. Dingaan passed away on 29 April at 57 years old and was his body discovered at his home about a week later.

COMMOTION

Commotion broke out outside the Johanesburg High Court as Dingaan Thobela’s family was divided on the DNA matter. Dingaan’s father wanted the matter to be treated as urgent by the court. “This is because, culturally there was no child that was claimed to be his, therefore I am not certain," Godfrey said. “Even if they receive the estate, it needs to be given to his legitimate children. Should they want anything, they need to come via me," he said. The matter was removed from the high court’s urgent list and Godfrey was advised to consult legal aid as he is a pensioner.

WINDING UP THE ESTATE

Dingaan’s brother Bongani said the matter has been traumatic after his father failed to explain why it had to be taken to court urgently. “The court did not treat it as urgent because my father was unable to explain his reasons,” Bongani said. Sarah, an extended family member said the children made Godfrey close down Dingaan’s funeral palour and are in the process of splitting the assets. “Even the deceased said some of those children are not his own. But the issue is that Mkhulu could not explain why the matter was urgent. But these kids are in the process of winding up the estate. But there are still some properties that they don’t know about,” Sarah said.