A bitter dispute over a family home has spiraled into a tragic tale of mistrust and loss, culminating in the heartbreaking death of 12-year-old Le’Hlompho Mlotshwa, allegedly poisoned in a shocking incident that has left her father grappling with grief and seeking justice. The family dynamics have deteriorated to the extent that relatives now cook separately and fear for their safety, convinced that one may harm the other. This distressing environment highlights a deep fracture within the family, as they navigate grief alongside accusations of betrayal.
On October 22, tragedy struck when Lehlohonolo Modiadie, 44, from Wattville in Ekurhuleni, learned that his daughter had succumbed to complications from what was suspected to be food poisoning. The day prior, Le’Hlompho had shared a meal of fish and rice with a friend but forgot to remove the pot from the stove. In a tragic twist of fate, Lehlohonolo returned home from the gym only to find his daughter in distress, leading to her untimely passing at a local clinic. He himself experienced severe illness, prompting a seven-day hospital stay. Now, Lehlohonolo is determined to uncover the truth, feeling deeply wounded by rumours suggesting he intended to poison himself and his beloved daughter. “I had no reason to commit suicide,” he insists, “We had so much to give to this community.”
The family’s grief is compounded by accusations regarding the ownership of their home. Lehlohonolo claims that his “sister,” Patricia Pheko, has manipulated circumstances to assert control over the house, alleging fraudulent actions that stripped him of his rightful inheritance. Patricia, now 59, admits that trust has evaporated within the family and confirms the unsettling reality of separate kitchens, yet she denies any involvement in the events surrounding Le’Hlompho’s death. “I was present when the police took the food for testing,” she asserts, maintaining her innocence while claiming ownership of the house based on her parents’ will.
The allegations have led to a legal quagmire, with Lehlohonolo arguing that he is the sole heir, having been born of a different union than Patricia, who he claims is a step-sibling. “I have documents to prove my lineage,” he insists. Legal experts suggest that DNA testing could provide clarity in this convoluted dispute. Vincent Ntuli, a local attorney, stated, “A blood test could definitively resolve the question of inheritance and familial ties.”
As the Ekurhuleni district police open an inquest and gather evidence, including samples of the food in question, the family stands on the brink of a potentially explosive confrontation. Captain Nelda Sekgobela, the police spokesperson, confirmed that investigations are underway. Amidst the backdrop of grief, allegations, and a struggle for justice, the Modiadie family’s future hangs precariously in the balance, with trust shattered and a community looking on in disbelief.
