A YOUNG mum wants answers over missing inheritance.
Inheritance discovery raises questions
The 22-year-old mum from Mohlakeng on the West Rand said she's searching for answers after discovering that money allegedly left behind by her late dad may have been paid out while she struggled to finish school and make ends meet.
Tshepiso Tshiloane claimed she was left in the dark about an inheritance after her dad, who was a paramedic, passed away in 2013.
Now a mum of two, Tshepiso said she wants closure and transparency regarding money she believes was meant to secure her future.
"My problem started when I was still young without realising anything. My aunt was getting money from the company, but she never told us about it. The only time I found out was when I was about 18 or 19 years old," she said.
According to Tshepiso, she first learnt about the inheritance after overhearing a conversation between her gogo and her aunt.
"We were staying with gogo and there'd be times when we needed toiletries and basic things. I heard my grandmother ask my aunt why she was refusing to give us our money. I was surprised because I didn't even know there was money. That's when my grandmother sat us down and told us my father had left us an inheritance."
Claims of missing money
Tshepiso claimed she later discovered that money had allegedly continued being claimed while she struggled financially.
She claimed that she was supposed to receive about R168 000 but didn't get anything.
"I only got a R1 000 allowance and there was another R450 that I didn't know what it was for. When I asked my aunt why the retirement fund was sending her money, she told me they were paying her because she was my guardian. When I asked the company, they disputed those claims and told me they were not paying anyone."
The former Town View High School pupil said she dropped out in grade 10 and had hoped to return to school but couldn't afford to continue.
"I dropped out because of personal and financial problems. I wanted to go back to school but I couldn't."
She further alleged that documents were submitted in her name indicating she was attending school even after she dropped out.
"I'd ask her about my money and why she lied. She forged everything and claimed I was going to school. Why lie using my name?" she said.
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Tshepiso said she later approached her aunt about the inheritance.
"When I asked her about it, she told me if I wanted to get her arrested, I should do so."
The young mum said she hasn't yet opened a criminal case.
"All I want is the truth and closure on what happened with my money."
She also claimed her late dad's house in Greenhills was rented out while she wasn't living there.
"There's my father's house in Greenhills. A tenant stayed there and damaged the property. There are no lights, no plugs and no electricity. The tenant is not even staying there anymore. I'm alone and I have no source of income."
'When she cries, I cry'
Tshepiso's boyfriend, Thabiso Ramahloko, said he has witnessed the emotional impact the dispute has had on her.
"We went to the retirement fund offices in Kempton Park, and I was shocked by what we saw. My girlfriend was brave enough to go there and try to find answers about her money."
He said he never imagined the situation would develop into a family conflict.
"I saw her aunt as a mum all those years. I never thought there could be these kinds of allegations."
Thabiso claimed Tshepiso often lacked basic necessities while growing up.
"It hurts because she trusted her aunt and defended her. She didn't realise what was happening until she got older and started asking questions," he said.
Aunt rejects allegations
However, 59-year-old aunt Nana Sesiko has strongly denied allegations that she stole her niece's inheritance or committed fraud.
"I've never done anything fraudulent," she said.
According to Nana, the inheritance was managed through a trust, and many payments were made directly to schools and transport providers.
"The problem is she dropped out of school. The trust paid schools and transport. I didn't receive that money personally."
Nana said she handed over the monthly allowance Tshepiso received.
"Whatever money came to Tshepiso, I gave it to her. I never stole her money."
She further denied benefiting from the Greenhills property and said she spent years helping the family after the kids' dad passed away.
Despite Nana's denials, Tshepiso said she remains unconvinced and wants further clarity regarding the inheritance.
For now, she said she's not looking for revenge.
"I just want answers. I just want to know what happened to the money my father left for me."
