The family of the late boxer Dingaan Thobela is embroiled in a dispute over his estate, sparking allegations and claims that have put a spotlight on family dynamics.
The drama began following Thobela’s passing on April 29, 2024, at the age of 57, after battling an undisclosed illness.
His funeral took place on May 9 at the West Park Cemetery in Johannesburg, but the tensions have only intensified since then.
Grandfather’s Demands for DNA Tests
In a surprising twist, Thobela’s father, Godfrey Thobela, has called for DNA tests to be conducted on his late son’s children before they can inherit anything from the estate.
According to Zimoja, Godfrey is determined to verify that the children are indeed his grandchildren.
He stated to the publication, “The late Bongani Dingaan Thobela always maintained that only the mother of the child knows the true paternity. He expressed doubts about fathering some of the children.”
This insistence on paternity testing has raised eyebrows and fueled the ongoing family feud.
Court Ruling on Paternity Matter
The situation took another turn on October 15, when TimesLIVE reported that Godfrey left the Johannesburg high court feeling defeated after his request for the alleged 10 grandchildren to undergo DNA tests was dismissed.
When questioned by the judge about the urgency of the request, Godfrey explained that, according to his cultural beliefs, expectant mothers should inform the family of the alleged father, and he felt that this tradition had not been honored, leading to his doubts about the children’s parentage.
The judge ultimately ruled that the case did not meet the necessary criteria for urgency, resulting in the matter being struck from the court roll.
Godfrey’s Commitment to Legal Action
Despite the setback, Godfrey remains determined to pursue the DNA tests. He stated that he would explore legal avenues to ensure his request is fulfilled.
Meanwhile, Bongani Thobela, Dingaan’s brother, expressed concern over the legitimacy of some of the claims.
He mentioned that four of the ten children seeking a claim from the estate were not known to the Thobela family.
He clarified that their father had no intention of profiting from Dingaan’s estate, asserting, “My father doesn’t want to benefit at all from his son’s estate. It all actually has to go to the children, which is fair enough, but we have to protect the Thobela name.”
The Children of Dingaan Thobela
Reports indicate that Dingaan Thobela has two recognized children: a daughter named Ntombi and a son named Dingaan Junior, both from his marriage to Sandra.
However, there have been claims that he fathered three additional children out of wedlock with a woman in Johannesburg, adding to the complexity of the estate battle.
What Lies Ahead?
As this family saga unfolds, it remains to be seen how the situation will resolve.
The disputes over paternity and inheritance are not just legal battles; they delve into the heart of family relationships and the legacy left behind by a beloved athlete.
The Thobela family is facing difficult conversations about identity, recognition, and what it means to carry on a name.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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