FAMILY FIGHTS LATE FATHER'S FAKE WIFE

THE FACTS

QUEEN Mapule from Meadowlands in Soweto lost her father in 2011 and a death certificate dated 1 June 2011 was issued.

The certificate stated that her father was a widower, which was correct, but a second certificate was issued in September of that year stating he was married.

The woman listed as Queen’s father’s wife then attempted to claim his estate. She also got a letter of executorship, which the family believes was forged.

The family took legal steps to have the allegedly fraudulent marriage dissolved.

The judge granted the request as the lobola letters used as proof of the marriage were dated a few days before the death, and a doctor testified that Queen’s father was not mentally able to consent to marriage at the time.

Queen and her family didn’t know who signed on their behalf on the lobola letter.

However, the alleged wife has since appealed and now the family has again been called to prove the marriage was invalid.

Queen approached the SunDefender to ask what she could do.

WHAT I DID

I spoke to Scorpion Legal Protection for advice.

SOLUTION

The family has already proved the marriage was invalid and the court has ordered that it be dissolved.

The family needs to show the court the same evidence as previously, including the doctor’s statement.

Queen and her family must also show that in terms of their culture, family members have to be present at the lobola negotiation and can’t be represented by someone from outside.