Court slams Lekota’s partner over R600k withdrawals during ex-Cope leader’s illness

Former Cope leader Mosiuoa Lekota. Picture: Gallo Images / Jeffrey Abrahams The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has ruled that funds were withdrawn from former Congress of the People (Cope) leader Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota’s bank account while he was incapacitated by illness. Lekota diedon 4 March 2026 at the age of 77 after stepping back from political life due to declining health.

The matter came before court after his wife, Cynthia Lekota, launched anex parteapplication 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 apart 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 his partner and former Cope MP, Advocate Luzelle Adams, and their 16-year-old son. The court heard that Cynthia was aware of Adams’ relationship with her husband, describing the situation by saying the two women “tolerated each other”. Evidence before the court detailed a steady deterioration in Lekota’s health over several years. From around 2018, he suffered serious medical setbacks, including a stroke and later prostate cancer.