Legal Showdown Erupts Between Tbo Touch and Lesiba Gwangwa Over Mercedes-Maybach and Failed Concert
A legal confrontation is brewing between former friends Thabo “Tbo Touch” Molefe, the former Metro FM DJ, and business mogul Lesiba Gwangwa. The dispute revolves around the sale of a luxury Mercedes-Maybach and a failed music concert that left Gwangwa seeking repayment of substantial debts.
According to a letter of demand seen by the Sunday Times, Gwangwa purchased the ultra-luxury car from Molefe after the latter claimed he was facing financial difficulties ahead of his planned move to Australia in 2025. The letter states that the arrangement was facilitated by a dealership, which agreed to buy the car for R2.5 million. As part of the deal, Molefe was to cover a R215,000 shortfall on the vehicle, along with the costs for a spare key and repairs to its damaged sliding roof.
However, Gwangwa reported that he personally paid R160,000 towards the shortfall because Molefe was still struggling financially. In addition to this hefty sum, Gwangwa was expected to pay R12,000 for the spare key and R85,000 to repair the roof.
Adding to the tensions, Gwangwa sent another letter of demand to Molefe, seeking the repayment of R369,000. This claim stems from an investment Gwangwa made in Molefe’s unsuccessful Replenishment Concert last year. The total capital invested in the event had been R895,000, meant to feature prominent performers such as Grammy-winning gospel singer Hezekiah Walker, Rev Benjamin Dube, Dumi Mkokstad, and many others.
The legal correspondence raises concerns about Molefe's financial stability. “Our client has been informed, by you, through various correspondences, that you have departed from South Africa, notwithstanding your outstanding obligations,” read the documents. They also indicated a belief that Molefe was attempting to liquidate his assets, which heightened fears he might evade his responsibilities to creditors.
In their initial negotiations regarding the concert investment, it appeared that the relationship between Molefe and Gwangwa was amicable. A recording of the meeting shows Molefe referring to Gwangwa as “my friend … my billionaire friend,” indicating a positive tone during discussions.
After moving to Australia in August last year, Molefe expressed to TimesLIVE that he was “living in the most affluent part of Australia.” He added, “Before the move, people were advising us, ‘You should stay here — it’s safe, it’s affordable’, but I was like, ‘When I wake up to have breakfast down the road, what are the chances of my meeting someone who’s going to be instrumental in propelling me to my next bigger deal?’”
Through his attorney, Molefe has contested the figures being circulated publicly. “Despite allegations that certain costs were incurred ‘out of pocket’, no tax invoices or proof of payments have been provided to substantiate those claims,” Molefe’s attorney stated. "Our client has expressly requested such proof of payments and, in the alternative, has proposed specific performance in fulfilment of his undertakings, namely, that payment be made directly to Mercedes-Benz, subject to verification of the estimates relied upon, so that the repairs may be undertaken. That proposal remains open.”
Furthermore, Molefe’s legal team has indicated they are preparing to issue a cease-and-desist letter regarding the ongoing allegations. They emphasised that assertions implying they fled the country to avoid settling debts are misleading.
An email trail between the two reveals that what began as an effort to recover funds escalated into a legal battle. Gwangwa expressed concern over the slow repayments, remarking, “It raises concern that such an old and agreed-upon debt is now being settled in small denominations of R50,000 each time.” He added that this approach felt unfair, especially since the investment was made with the understanding that the capital would be returned shortly after the concert in September.
The situation worsened when Molefe claimed Gwangwa had briefed a law firm that also represented him. In a statement of disappointment, Molefe remarked, “At the [outset], I would like to express my concern and disappointment arising out of a relationship I thought I valued.” Gwangwa responded by highlighting his past financial assistance to Molefe, saying, “I have come to your financial rescue countless times… It took you months to persuade me to invest, based on claims of minimum guaranteed returns.”
As the legal showdown continues, both parties seem entrenched in their positions, raising questions about the future of their once amicable relationship. The unfolding drama highlights the complexities of friendship intertwined with business, leaving the resolution of their disputes uncertain.
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