Johannesburg, May 5, 2025 – Internationally acclaimed composer and producer Lebohang “Lebo M” Morake has secured a significant legal victory against his ex-wife, Pretty Samuels, in the Johannesburg High Court.
The court granted Morake an urgent interdict to halt further defamatory statements made by Samuels on social media, where she accused him of tax fraud and abuse.
Additionally, the court ordered Samuels to return a R1.2-million Blüthner Concert Grand Piano that she allegedly sold without his consent, marking a pivotal moment in their ongoing dispute.
Background
Lebo M, celebrated for his contributions to The Lion King, has navigated several high-profile legal battles with his ex-wives, reflecting the complexities of his personal life. In 2021, a US court ordered him to pay nearly R500,000 in legal fees to his second ex-wife, Nandi Ndlovu-GoodJohn, following a decade-long dispute over The Lion King royalties (City Press).
More recently, his current wife, Angela Casara, was embroiled in a legal conflict with Ndlovu-GoodJohn, highlighting ongoing tensions (City Press). These cases have often centered on financial and property disputes, setting the stage for the current conflict with Samuels.
The Current Dispute
The legal battle with Samuels began when Morake discovered that his prized Blüthner Concert Grand Piano, purchased in 2008 for R80,000, was missing from a storage unit at Greg Rollinson Pianos in Sandton, Johannesburg.
The piano, valued at R1.2 million, was reported missing on 1 April 2025, just before Morake needed it for a concert scheduled in Cape Town on 18 April 2025 (Scrolla.Africa).
Samuels, who was married to Morake until their divorce, claimed the piano was part of their divorce settlement. However, court documents clarify that the settlement entitled Samuels to R550,000 in spousal maintenance, paid over three months, while Morake retained all furniture and personal items in his possession.
The piano was not mentioned in the agreement, undermining Samuels’ claim.
During their marriage, Samuels had used Morake’s electronic signature for the storage contract due to his frequent travels, which may have facilitated her access to the piano. In March 2025, Morake learned of the piano’s absence while preparing for his concert, prompting immediate action.
On 4 April 2025, Samuels escalated the dispute by posting on social media, accusing Morake of tax fraud and abuse. These claims, deemed defamatory by Morake’s legal team, led to a demand letter sent on 6 April 2025, requesting an apology and retraction.
Samuels ignored the demand, prompting Morake to seek an urgent interdict from the Johannesburg High Court.
Court Ruling
Presided over by Judge Norman Manoim, the Johannesburg High Court ruled in Morake’s favor, granting the urgent interdict last month. The court issued the following orders to Samuels:
-
Cease making any further defamatory posts about Morake.
-
Delete all existing defamatory content from social media.
-
Issue a public apology for her statements.
-
Make the piano available for collection by 16 April 2025.
-
Pay Morake’s legal costs on an attorney-and-client basis.
A second individual, identified only as Erin, was also named in the interdict, reportedly for purchasing the disputed piano. Samuels did not oppose the court application, which likely influenced the swift ruling in Morake’s favor (Scrolla.Africa).
The court’s decision not only addresses the defamatory posts but also resolves the piano dispute, ordering its return to Morake. The ruling underscores the legal protections available to individuals facing reputational harm through false accusations on social media.
Future Legal Action
Morake has 30 days from the court’s ruling to launch a defamation lawsuit against Samuels, seeking further damages for the harm caused to his reputation. Reports indicate that Morake intends to pursue this course of action, signaling that the legal battle may continue (Scrolla.Africa).
Statements and Public Response
No direct statements from Morake or his representatives are available in the public domain regarding this case. Similarly, Samuels has not issued any public response to the court’s ruling. The absence of statements from both parties leaves the public to rely on court documents and media reports for insight into the dispute.
Broader Implications
This case highlights the challenges public figures like Lebo M face in managing their personal and professional reputations, particularly in the age of social media, where false accusations can spread rapidly.
The court’s intervention demonstrates the judiciary’s role in addressing defamation, but the underlying tensions between Morake and Samuels, compounded by their history, suggest that resolution may require further legal or personal reconciliation.
The dispute also raises questions about the management of high-value assets post-divorce, especially when agreements are contested. Morake’s proactive legal approach contrasts with Samuels’ decision not to oppose the court application, which may reflect strategic or financial considerations on her part.
Conclusion
Lebo M’s victory in the Johannesburg High Court marks a significant step in protecting his reputation and recovering his property. The court’s orders to Samuels—to cease defamatory posts, apologize, and return the piano—address both the reputational and material aspects of the dispute.
However, with a potential defamation lawsuit looming, the conflict between Morake and Samuels may yet see further developments. As the 16 April 2025 deadline for the piano’s return approaches, all eyes will be on Samuels’ compliance and Morake’s next legal moves.
|
Key Details |
Information |
|---|---|
|
Case Parties |
Lebohang “Lebo M” Morake (Plaintiff) vs. Pretty Samuels (Defendant) and Erin (Second Person Named) |
|
Court |
Johannesburg High Court |
|
Judge |
Norman Manoim |
|
Legal Action |
Urgent interdict to stop defamatory posts, order to return piano, potential defamation lawsuit |
|
Dispute Origin |
R1.2-million Blüthner Concert Grand Piano, allegedly sold by Samuels |
|
Defamatory Claims |
Samuels accused Morake of tax fraud and abuse on social media (4 April 2025) |
|
Court Orders |
Stop defamatory posts, delete existing posts, publicly apologize, return piano by 16 April 2025, pay legal costs |
|
Piano Details |
Purchased in 2008 for R80,000, stored at Greg Rollinson Pianos |
|
Divorce Settlement |
Samuels received R550,000; Morake retained all furniture and personal items (piano not included) |
Shanzay Hocane is a passionate fashion enthusiast with a keen eye for style and trends. Based in New York, she immerses herself in the world of ramp walks, fashion shows, and celebrity red-carpet moments. With a knack for spotting the next big look, Shanzay shares her insights through vibrant writing, capturing the glamour and creativity of the fashion industry. When not covering haute couture, she enjoys exploring vintage boutiques and sketching her own designs.
