Acting Judge Henk Roelofse has ordered Alexander Forbes not to release the R44.7m life annuity of the late former deputy president, David Dabede “DD” Mabuza.

The interim interdict was handed down in the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court on Tuesday, September 30, following an urgent application by Mabuza’s biological daughter, Tamara Mnisi, and her mother, Funi Ruth Silinda.

Roelofse ruled that Alexander Forbes is temporarily barred from releasing the money until all the necessary documentation has been submitted.

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Silinda, who was previously married to Mabuza, supported her 25-year-old daughter’s urgent bid to access part of her father’s estate. Mnisi asked the court to direct Alexander Forbes to pay her R40 000 a month for her living expenses, saying this was the support her father had provided while alive.

She also sought R127 000 to cover her tuition fees at the University of Cape Town, where she is a first-year student.

Mnisi’s half-siblings and sisters joined the application, filing supplementary affidavits in support of Mnisi and her mother.

Alexander Forbes had intended to release the full R44.7m to Mabuza’s widow, Nonhlahla Patience Mnisi.

Advocate DJ Sibuyi, representing the applicants, welcomed the outcome, saying he was satisfied the money remained secure.

In his remarks, Roelofse said that the courts are full of cases such as this one and advised the family to come together and resolve these issues amicably.

Mabuza’s sister, Zandile, also expressed relief. “All we want is justice. We are glad the court has stopped Alexander Forbes from giving the money to one person who knew my brother had dependants, but pretends otherwise today.”