Johannesburg - "The people's poet" Mzwakhe Mbuli has been accused of yet again trying to cash in on the death of a fellow celebrity.
The allegations follow the death of jazz legend Ray Phiri on Wednesday following a battle with lung cancer.
PowerFM sports presenter Thabiso Mosia took to social media to lament the death of Phiri and launch a tirade against Mbuli, accusing him of using the tragedy to steal money from Phiri's family.
Saddened by Oom Ray's passing.Even sadder hearing that Mzwakhe Mbuli is already doing the talking. He's only there to steal money. Trust me.
— Tracksuit (@ThabisoMosia) July 12, 2017
Mosia, in a series of tweets, related how Mbuli and his "legends cronies" allegedly tried to con kwaito star Mandoza's family during his funeral by offering to organise sound, the venue and food.
Was in 2 family meetings with Mzwakhe Mbuli and his 'legends' cronies at MDZ.They tried to steal every penny, from food,sound,venue hire etc
— Tracksuit (@ThabisoMosia) July 12, 2017
The sports presenter then went on to detail the crew's alleged modus operandi, which starts with offers to help the bereaved family with the funeral arrangements.
According to Mosia, they then appeal to government officials for money for the funeral but keep most of it, lying to the family that the money donated was not enough.
Part of the scam.They ask the family how they can help(venue hire,food, transport, sound).They then go to Ministers/MEC's to ask for the $$
— Tracksuit (@ThabisoMosia) July 12, 2017
The Ministers/MEC then give them the $$$..But they keep most of it and pretend they didn't get enough. Family then must start all over again
— Tracksuit (@ThabisoMosia) July 12, 2017
Mosia revealed further details of how Mbuli and his pals allegedly sapped money from Mandoza's family, from offering sound at a price to trying to organise the venue for the memorial.
Mzwakhe wanted 70k to organize sound for MDZ funeral.We(fam) said no cos @ArthurMafokate was offering his sound for free.Mzwakhe threw a fit
— Tracksuit (@ThabisoMosia) July 12, 2017
Mzwakhe and his cronies then dropped their soumd price to 35k. We still said no. They went berserk and went to consult outside. I WAS THERE.
— Tracksuit (@ThabisoMosia) July 12, 2017
Before going outside Mzwakhe said to his cronies "Asambeni akho Mali la, Uyasbulala u @ArthurMafokate ngento za Mahala"
— Tracksuit (@ThabisoMosia) July 12, 2017
Mzwakhe and a guy called Morris Roda told us that had secured S Bank Arena for MDZ memorial. We were relieved until i asked them for proof
— Tracksuit (@ThabisoMosia) July 12, 2017
Day before MDZ memorial they still couldn't provide proof.I drove to SB Arena only to find management hadn't even spoken to them.Was shocked
— Tracksuit (@ThabisoMosia) July 12, 2017
S Bank Arena told me they do this all the time and we should not trust them. That time they'd gone to 3 ministers/mec's asking for 100k each
— Tracksuit (@ThabisoMosia) July 12, 2017
Mosia exposed more details around the issue and warned Phiri's family to be cautious of Mbuli's intentions.
With all due respect to the family. Mzwakhe might be a family friend.But trust me,now he's there to steal.He has no good intentions at all.
— Tracksuit (@ThabisoMosia) July 12, 2017
There was no response on Mbuli's social media accounts to these claims.
Of course Twitter refused to let the issue slide, with users slamming Mbuli for cashing in on fellow celebrities' deaths.
See some of the Twitter reactions below:
Somizi just asked ask to make sure that Mzwakhe Mbuli does not attend his funeral, "Thats if i die" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😋😂😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/WlNNldoTkg
— MaShenge 🇿🇦 🎶 (@Thina_Buthelezi) July 12, 2017
Please Lord, anyone, anybody, doesn't matter who but let it not be Mzwakhe Mbuli please. Thank you in advance. Amen! 🙏🏾
— Rami Chuene 1st Lady (@ramichuene) July 12, 2017
When Someone Famous Passes Away
Mzwakhe Mbuli 📷 To The Studio ... pic.twitter.com/AwyVBolSpB
— Ganda - Ganda 🚜 (@BullDozerBoxing) July 12, 2017
Famous South African passes away.
Mzwakhe Mbuli pic.twitter.com/Y9MY50LUnc
— ZuluWithDaNgudHair (@Mzombe) July 12, 2017
These tweets about Mzwakhe Mbuli scamming grieving families of artists. pic.twitter.com/yCwhftIY5W
— dillz. (@PaleDiale) July 12, 2017