*Sisters clash over late mum’s shop rentals
An explosive confrontation played out at Molepolole Customary Court this week with two sisters firing salvos of accusations at each other over their late mother’s estate. The younger sister dragged her elder sibling to court accusing her of denying her a share of rental money from her late mother’s shop
The court heard that before their mother, Sekolo Kedibonye Tiro, passed away on July 30th, 2022, she had already divided her estate between her only two daughters. The elder daughter, 45-year-old Lesego Tiro, was allocated the shop, while the younger, Tebogo Tiro, 40, received a ploughing field and a residential plot.
However, Tebogo later demanded that the three properties be shared equally, arguing that the shop, which generates monthly rental income of P11,086, was of far greater value than the field and residential plot.
“I suggest that the field in Gakgatla be divided so we each get a portion. We should rent out the residential plot and split the income along with the shop rental. Lesego has been collecting the shop rent alone since September last year,” Tebogo told the court.
Their uncle, Thomas Tiro, fiercely opposed Tebogo’s claims, defending the elder niece.
“Ke maswabi gore gompieno re le fa, mowa o re tsisitseng fa ke mowa o maswe wa motho a batlang go ja a le nosi. Kgosi, ke kgala fa pele gago ke hutsa mowa o le gompieno.”
(“I am ashamed that we are here today, brought by a bad spirit of someone wanting to eat alone. Chief, I reject this spirit before you today,” he said, visibly disappointed.)
The younger sibling however found support from her aunt Banyanabotlhe Tiro, who told the court that although she was not present when the inheritance was distributed, she has learnt that the elder sibling has in her possession certificates of ownership for the three properties, and questioned her motives.
Banyanabotlheo further told court that Lesego had failed to use the shop rental income to pay the family’s herdboy.
“We’ve advised that part of the rental monies be used to pay the herdboy, and the remaining balance be shared equally,” said the concerned aunt.
She said following their attempts at mediation Lesego then engaged a lawyer, and to this day she continues to enjoy rental money to the exclusion of her sister.
“I’m not here to take sides, but I believe the properties should be shared equally. Lesego is not willing to share,” said Banyanabotlhe.
In her defense, Lesego maintained that she had left the field and residential plot for her sister, and was not interested in staying with her and has since moved out of the family home and now rents elsewhere.
“I cannot afford to live with my sister. Let the wishes of the deceased be respected,” said Lesego, sternly, as murmurs of disapproval erupted from their relatives, some accusing her of harboring hatred toward Tebogo.
Bakwena Deputy Paramount Chief, Lawrence Mhadi, upheld the original distribution. He ruled in Lesego’s favour, confirming that she should retain the shop, while Tebogo would take ownership of the field and residential plot.
