Legal battle intensifies over late Ngulube’s estate, as mothers of 14 kids born out of wedlock seek court intervention

A legal battle is ongoing over the estate of the late Kabwe Central Member of Parliament, Tutwa Ngulube, with mothers of children born outside of wedlock seeking an interim injunction to stop his sister and wife from distributing the assets.

The estate is valued at K20 million.

Catherine Kuntepa, suing as guardian to five of the minors, alleged that the respondents, Tawanda Tafwakose Ngulube (sister to the late) and Mutepa Glenda Sokontwe (widow), both administrators, attempted to distribute the estate unfairly despite the matter being sub judice.

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The matter was heard on February 14, and a ruling was reserved for April 4, 2024.

However, before the ruling could be delivered, the administrators allegedly engaged evaluators, evaluated the estate and delivered copies of the evaluations to one of the mothers of the minors involved.

They then attempted to distribute the estate on April 19, 2024, which Kuntepa argued would undermine the authority of the court and put it into disrepute.

Kuntepa alleged that the respondents had acted with bias towards the minors, delaying their needs and acting with hostility towards them.

The executors’ year elapsed on March 7, and they have not applied for renewal, leading Kuntepa to believe they lack authority to handle or distribute the estate.

Despite being informed that the matter is subjudice, the respondents refused to desist from distributing the estate.

Kuntepa urged the court to grant an interim injunction restraining the administrators from distributing the estate until the proceedings are determined or a further order is made.

She contended that the application seeks to protect the interests of the minors and ensure a fair distribution of the estate.

It had been alleged that there were over 14 children born out of wedlock who were beneficiaries of the estate but had been deprived of their father’s estate.

The mothers are seeking various reliefs, including an order for the distribution of the estate to be done under the strict supervision of the Administrator General.

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