Thuli Madonsela Alleges Threats and Intimidation Following Partner's Death
Former Public Protector Professor Thuli Madonsela has made startling allegations of threats and a "relentless" character assassination campaign against her, following the death of her life partner, Richard Foxton. She claims these actions began within 48 hours of Foxton's passing and are linked to her challenging his 2025 will and seeking the removal of its executors.
During an emotional address to the media on Wednesday, Madonsela expressed concerns about her personal safety, stating that she reluctantly came to the platform with a heavy heart. She said, "In the last few weeks, shortly after filing court papers challenging what I do not believe is my late partner’s last will and wishes, I have endured a vicious, relentless character assassination campaign mounted against me in the media."
Madonsela claims that within two days of Foxton’s death, "an attempt was made to evict me from the place he and I regarded as our main home". This attempt, she alleges, came through a "chilling posting in a family WhatsApp group" by executor Douglas Taylor.
The message reportedly stated that apartments 414 and 413 Walton Heath – the latter being the home occupied by Madonsela – were to be locked and remain unoccupied. It further stipulated that anyone wishing to view the properties would need to be in the company of all siblings, "in the interest of all parties".
Madonsela pointed out that at the time, Taylor was "not an executor of my partner’s deceased estate" as the estate had not yet been reported, and no executor had been appointed by the Master of the High Court. She identified Taylor as Foxton’s accountant, co-director of almost all his businesses, and controller of his finances.
"He knew I was in apartment 413, having arrived from our home in the Western Cape on the day of his passing," Madonsela stated. "When I engaged Mr Taylor, pointing out that that was my home at which I intended to stay while mourning my partner until the funeral, he insisted that the apartment was not my home… The apartment had been our home where I stayed regularly whenever I came to Gauteng and where my partner and I had spent all holiday time, including Christmas and Good Friday holidays for over eight years.”
Adding to her concerns, Madonsela revealed that the house she lives in was recently valuated without her authorisation. "To conduct a valuation, the expert must physically examine the property inside and out, thoroughly examining every nook and cranny. The thought of someone having been to my house without me or anyone authorised present left a chilling effect on my family. A security expert advised I make this information public to ensure that should anything happen to me, this security breach is considered," she explained.
Madonsela also made accusations of suspected fraud in the reporting of the estate, claiming misrepresentations had been made, and said that an application had been made to remove the executors.
The dispute centres around alleged discrepancies between Foxton's 2020 and 2025 wills. The 2020 will reportedly bequeathed Madonsela R10 million in cash, while the 2025 revision replaced this with a R10 million De Zalze property acquired in 2021, according to City Press.
Madonsela is seeking to have the 2025 will declared invalid, arguing that it falls "short of requirements of a valid will" and that the bequests in the 2020 will should be honoured. She contends that the executors, appointed under "an invalid will," should be replaced by an impartial executor.
Madonsela further stated that she had been asked to stop referring to herself as Foxton’s partner. "From within hours of the passing of the man who loved, protected and honoured me as I reciprocated, I was forced to simultaneously grieve our once-in-a-lifetime relationship while battling what I regard as distortions of his will, wishes and character and grave injustices. Throughout this, I have not had any fight with any Foxton, be it bitter or not. The only party that has had issues with me since hours of my bereavement is someone he trusted with his business and financial affairs," she said.
Taylor could not be reached for comment by the time of publication.
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