Nelson Mandela's grandsons, Ndaba and Mbuso Mandela, have been accused of turning the former president's Johannesburg home into a 'hangout for drug users' and 'scantily clad women', according to court documents.
The brothers are permitted to live rent-free at the Houghton Estate property under Mandela's will, but trustees of the Nelson Mandela Trust have raised concerns about their behaviour, which they say is hindering essential refurbishments.
In an affidavit, cousin Tukwinio Mandela alleged that Mbuso allowed 'troublesome friends and their families' to stay in a separate cottage, where they were often intoxicated. She reported seeing 'scantily clad women' and 'intoxicated people' on the property, and claimed items had gone missing.
The house has reportedly fallen into disrepair, with appliances stripped and carpets stained. High court judge Gcina Malindi, a trustee, described the brothers' conduct as 'destructive' and said it would be a 'travesty' to allow them to block the refurbishment.
Trustees are seeking court orders to evict Ndaba from the property and restrict Mbuso's access to the main house. A hearing is expected in March. Mbuso has denied drug use and said he is fighting the eviction, accusing trustees of wanting to sell the house for profit.
