South African music legend and Grammy Award-winning producer Lebo M has opened a criminal case against his ex-wife, Pretty Samuels, for allegedly stealing a grand piano worth millions of rands. According to Sunday World, the case was officially opened at the Sandton police station after Lebo M made serious theft and fraud allegations against Samuels, following their bitter divorce in May 2024.
The missing piano was reportedly discovered earlier this week by Khanyi Serakoeng, who works as Lebo M’s associate producer and project coordinator. Serakoeng said he noticed that the piano was gone while preparing for important rehearsals. The rehearsals are for a much-anticipated collaboration with Hollywood legend Hans Zimmer, set to take place at the Grand West Arena in Cape Town on April 18.
Lebo M’s attorney, Brian Msimeki, shared strong words about the situation. He said, “This case marks a turning point.” He added, “The evidence is overwhelming; justice will be swift. Those who think they can defraud and dodge the consequences are about to face the law’s full fury.”
Authorities are now working hard on the investigation, promising a deep and detailed probe into the theft. Mavela Masondo, the police spokesperson in Gauteng, confirmed that a case has been opened and investigations are ongoing.
A source close to Lebo M revealed that Samuels didn’t just allegedly steal the piano but carefully planned the whole operation. According to the source, after their messy break-up, Samuels allegedly used Lebo M’s electronic signature — which he had asked her to delete — to arrange the delivery of the grand piano to Fairmont in Johannesburg.
What happened next, sources claim, was an alleged black-market deal that led to the priceless piano disappearing without a trace. These sources believe they have proof that the piano was sold, but they preferred not to share the evidence with Sunday World at this stage.
The case has drawn a lot of attention because the grand piano is not only extremely valuable but also because of the personal drama between Lebo M and Samuels. For now, Lebo M is hoping that the law will act quickly and firmly against anyone involved in the theft.
