Late Afropop sensation Zahara’s family is currently selling her luxury furniture to the highest bidder after being evicted from her house. The family is circulating pictures of her household items on WhatsApp with price tags.
Zahara, born Bulelwa Mtukukana, passed away on December 11 after spending almost three weeks at a private hospital in Johannesburg. She was buried in her home province, the Eastern Cape, on December 23.
Her sister, Bandezwa Mkutukana-Febana, took occupation of her house while Zahara was still in the hospital. She was allegedly evicted from the house after failing to raise funds to save the house, which owed the bank in arrears.
House is in arrears with the bank
The late musician’s close friends confirmed the news of the dire situation. They alleged that her sisters contacted her close friends and former clients this week, urging them to buy some of her furniture before they could vacate the house.
The furniture includes couches, glass tables, side tables, a fridge, a bar area, a television, and a plasma stand, among others.
“They are selling absolutely everything without even consulting her elders at home. That furniture is way too expensive for what they are selling it for. They … really just don’t care about her legacy,” a friend said.
It is alleged that the sisters approached Zahara’s former clients to buy the furniture before they gave the rest to her friends. Some of it they would transport it back to their Eastern Cape home.
Furniture pictures circulated on WhatsApp
They also gave some of her guitars to musician Vusi Nova. Nova had promised to help take care of the family during her funeral, but has since been silent, they said.
However, when contacted for comment, Vusi Nova said he was in constant communication with Zahara’s family and had kept his promise to help them.
He said he spoke to the sisters three days ago, and even though they alerted him that they are moving, they did not tell him that they were selling her furniture.
“I am always there for the stuff that they need and for the parents but they did not tell me anything about selling furniture. I am so shocked about what you are telling me. I didn’t know,” he said.
He added that he would get in touch with his family on Friday.
Speaking to Sunday World, Zahara’s cousin and former manager, Oyama Dyosiba confirmed the news. He said he was alerted by former clients that the sisters were selling some of her furniture.
“Old clients called asking me what was happening and why are we selling her furniture. I was not aware of what was happening. And I just told them I have not been active and I have removed myself from her affairs since the sisters took over,” he said.
Dyosiba could not comment further on the matter, stating that he was no longer active in the family’s affairs.
Mkutukana-Febana was not immediately available to comment on the matter.
Zahara’s widower, Mpho Xaba, declined to entertain the matter. “Unfortunately, I am busy at the moment. And also I have no comment with regards to Zahara and her family’s shenanigans.”
