By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria delivered a scathing judgment regarding the partner of Cope leader Mosiuoa Lekota and mother of his child, Advocate Luzelle Adams.
It is understood that Adams has “emptied” his current bank account weeks before his death earlier this month.
Lekota died on 4 March 2026 at the age of 77 after stepping back from political life due to declining health.
In total, payments exceeding R1 million (R1 084 725) were made from Lekota’s account to Adams between 2 April 2024 and 12 February 2026.
In addition, shortly after Adams became aware of the legal application on 11 February 2026, R250 000 was transferred to her attorneys and R150 000 to her property account.
The matter came before court after his wife, Cynthia Lekota, launched an ex parte application seeking access to his medical records, clarity on his mental capacity, and the appointment of a court-appointed attorney to oversee his financial affairs.
Although still married in community of property since 1975, Lekota and Cynthia had lived separately since 2010.
They had four children together, including one who died nearly three decades ago.
At the time of his illness, Lekota lived in Midrand, Gauteng, with Adams, and their 16-year-old son.
In his judgment delivered on Monday, Judge Anthony Millar said: “The death of Lekota could never have provided a respite for (Adv A) in having to account for her actions with regards to the joint estate. The withdrawal of money and emptying of Lekota’s current account on February 12 required explanation. None has been furnished”.
Millar ordered that the now deceased Lekota was of unsound mind and incapable of managing his own affairs from last year up to his death on March 4. This will mean that all the withdrawals Adv A made from his account were without his consent.
Millar also found that Adams had exercised control over Lekota’s joint estate without the knowledge or consent of his wife.
Millar ordered that the medical records be delivered to him in a sealed envelope, after which he approved the appointment of Lekota’s son, Kotane Lekota, as curator responsible for managing the estate and financial affairs.
He also ordered that the judgment be referred to several professional bodies, including the Legal Practice Council (LPC), the Johannesburg Society of Advocates and the Legal Practitioners’ Fidelity Fund.
In the democratic era, Lekota served as the first Premier of the Free State (1994–1996), the inaugural Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (1997–1999), and Minister of Defence from 1999 to 2008.