Johannesburg Man Secretly Marries Long-Lost Daughter to Secure Inheritance, Leaves Wife & Stepchildren With Nothing
Johannesburg Man Secretly Marries Long-Lost Daughter to Secure Inheritance, Leaves Wife & Stepchildren With Nothing – A Johannesburg family has been left in turmoil following the death of 67-year-old Joseph Maoto, who reportedly married his biological daughter to ensure she inherited his entire estate — leaving his wife and stepchildren excluded.
Maoto had been married to Thembi, 52, for over 12 years.
Though the couple never had biological children together, Joseph had embraced Thembi’s three children as his own, acting as a father figure throughout their marriage.
“He never treated us like stepchildren,” said one of Thembi’s sons. “We called him Dad. This betrayal is heartbreaking.”
The situation took a dramatic turn when Maoto reconnected with Melisa Manzini, a woman whose mother had claimed years ago that Joseph was her biological father from his time working in Limpopo.
DNA tests confirmed the claim, but Thembi allegedly rejected Melisa and banned her from entering their Gauteng home.
“She called me an outsider and said I would never be welcome in their home,” Melisa claimed in a brief statement. “I just wanted to know my father.”
Following the rejection and amid ailing health, Maoto made a controversial decision.
Without informing his wife or stepchildren, he reportedly took Melisa to the Department of Home Affairs, where the two were legally married under a community of property arrangement.
Since Melisa had not been using Maoto’s surname, the marriage also established her as his legal spouse in government records.
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Maoto later revised his will, allocating 100% of his estate — including a residential property, three vehicles, and a tavern located in Mapetla — to Melisa, now legally recognized as Mrs. Maoto.
His death last week has triggered a bitter inheritance dispute between Thembi and Melisa. Legal experts say the marriage, while unconventional and ethically questionable, is legally binding.
The Housing Court has ruled in Melisa’s favor, ordering Thembi and her children to vacate the premises by August 7.
“We understand the moral outrage,” said a legal advisor not affiliated with the case, “but the documents are clear. She is legally his wife and heir.”
Despite the ruling, the family has refused to comply. Funeral arrangements remain on hold as the estate battle intensifies.
