Thuli Madonsela calls for urgent probe into alleged fraud involving late partner’s estate

Former Public Protector Professor Thuli Madonsela has asked Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi to urgently order a forensic investigation into what she says appears to be fraud or attempted fraud involving the estate of her late life partner, Richard Edward Foxton.

Foxton, also known as Dick Foxton, passed away on 21 June 2025. Madonsela says that while the family was checking the progress of his estate at the Master of the High Court in Johannesburg, they discovered disturbing information on the Master’s online system.

According to Madonsela, an electronic Death Notice found on the Master’s portal contains information that is incorrect and misleading. The document, known as a J294 form, states that a man named Michael Beder is the nearest blood relative of the deceased and that Foxton had no children. Madonsela says this is false, as Beder is not related to Foxton and Foxton had four children.

The document also reportedly states that Foxton was still married to his second wife at the time of his death, which Madonsela says is incorrect. Several residential addresses listed on the form are also wrong. The Death Notice appears to have been uploaded on 30 June 2025, but no one has taken responsibility for submitting it.

Madonsela says the incorrect information raises serious questions about possible fraud or attempted fraud, especially because the estate was processed unusually quickly. The same estate number appears on documents where Michael Beder and Douglas Taylor accepted their roles as executors.

She explains that Taylor played a powerful role in Foxton’s financial affairs before and after his death. Taylor was a director in Foxton’s companies, managed daily transactions, controlled trust accounts, and continued to transact on Foxton’s personal and business accounts even after the Master placed a hold on the estate.

Madonsela says Taylor continued paying other dependents from the estate but stopped her monthly spousal support after learning that she had challenged the will and raised concerns with the Master. She believes this may have been retaliation for speaking out.

In her letter, Madonsela makes it clear that she is not asking the Minister to interfere with decisions about the validity of the will or the conduct of executors, which fall under the Master’s authority. Instead, she is asking for action to address possible criminal conduct, including cyber fraud, under existing laws.

She also raises broader concerns about the Master of the High Court, noting its critical role in managing billions of rands meant for orphans and vulnerable people. Madonsela warns that fraud, corruption and poor administration at the Master’s office can deepen poverty and inequality.

She refers to previous findings, including her own Public Protector report titled They Called it Justice, which highlighted systemic problems at the Master’s offices. She says similar issues appear to be continuing.

Madonsela is asking for two key actions. First, a forensic investigation into the disputed electronic Death Notice and related documents. Second, a public inquiry into the overall operations of the Master of the High Court to uncover and address possible widespread maladministration, fraud and corruption.

She says these steps are necessary to protect vulnerable families, restore trust and uphold justice.