The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has found that former Cope leader Mosiuoa Lekota’s “partner” drained one of his bank accounts during a time when he was not of sound mind and unable to conduct his own financial affairs.

The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has found that former Cope leader Mosiuoa Lekota’s “partner” drained one of his bank accounts during a time when he was not of sound mind and unable to conduct his own financial affairs.

Lekota’s wife, Cynthia Lekota, initially approached the court for a court-appointed legal representative to gain access to her husband’s medical records, a declaration regarding his ability to manage his own affairs, and an order that a court attorney manage his financial affairs.

Judge Anthony Millar found that from 25 May last year to his death on 4 March this year, Lekota was of unsound mind and incapable of managing his own affairs.

The court further found that between 5 March 2025 and 2 February 2026, approximately R600 000 was paid out of Lekota’s bank account to his “partner”, advocate Luzelle Adams, a lawyer and former Cope MP.

Between 2 April 2024 and 12 February 2026, Lekota made payments totalling more than R1 million to Adams.

In addition, from the time Adams was notified about the court application, on 11 February, R250 000 was transferred to her attorneys and R150 000 to her property account from Lekota’s current account.

Millar said Adams' conduct was of grave concern and imposed a punitive costs order against her.

“The concern is particularly regarding the transfer of funds from Mr Lekota’s account while she was negotiating the court order, by agreement and then her subsequent refusal to cooperate with the curator ad litem and interim curator bonis,” Millar said.