The family of late Kwaito legend Mapaputsi, real name Sandile Ngwenya, is distraught following the drama leading up to his memorial service and funeral. This is after his estranged wife Nitty Nhlapo, who has not been present in his life for over two years, accompanied by Nhlanhla Lux, allegedly cornered Mapaputsi’s children, daughter (29) and son (19), to surrender the deceased’s paperwork and change funeral parlours after his family had already made all the necessary arrangements for the memorial service and funeral.
Mapaputsi passed away in Durban on 5 September after being sick since October 2023. After he passed away in Durban, the Izinja artist was meant to be transported back to Johannesburg to be buried at his Soweto home. However, family squabbles have complicated the arrangements for his burial. Reports stated that the family needed R50,000 to have his body moved to Johannesburg after a friend allegedly held it at ransom.
A family friend has revealed to ZiMoja that the first funeral parlour, GS Funerals, that collected his body from Pinetown in Durban had to be cancelled as the family found Mapaputsi’s body placed on the floor. “GS was asked by the family to assist in removing the body from this bad funeral parlour. Now Nhlanhla Lux apparently threatened GS that they can’t handle the funeral.’ The family friend said they are being forced to use Vuyo’s funeral palour. “Nhlanhla Lux came with some affiliates and the spouse (Nitty) and said we need to change the funeral parlour to go with Vuyo’s because GS didn’t have any experience. We are not sure why they want to change, but all arrangements were made with GS. They told us that we need to use Vuyo’s or else we will owe about R100k and Vuyo’s will be covering all the costs.”
GS has also since sent out a statement cancelling their services. “GS Funeral Palour announces that it will no longer be facilitating the funeral service of the fallen Kwaito legend after the family’s decision to appoint us as their entrusted provider. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition following the preparations we have made and we will coordinate closely with the affiliated service provider to maintain the dignity of the deceased and grieving family during this process,’ GS management said. Nitty confirmed to ZiMoja they are now using Vuyo’s but would not elaborate further. “I can’t really say why or give details, but we are no longer using GS but will use Vuyo’s,” she said. Nhlanhla Lux could not be reached for a comment. Mapaputsi’s children, who did not want to be named, refused to comment on the matter.
