Siblings clash over Kanepolo’s business empire

A High Court battle has erupted over the multimillion-dollar estate of late northern businessman Simon ‘Kanepolo’ Mulunga, with his son Mesag seeking recognition of a will that gives him the lion’s share of his late father's assets.Mesag’s siblings dispute that the document is authentic and want the court to reject it.Kanepolo, a liberation struggle veteran who died on 7 September 2021 at age 74, left behind his wife, Alina Mbumbi, 16 children and 22 grandchildren. He was accorded a state funeral by then-president Hage Geingob.The will, dated 13 March 2020 and seen by Namibian Sun, lists a 10 000-hectare cattle post, commercial and residential properties, livestock, vehicles and financial investments.However, the Master of the High Court rejected the document because it was initialled rather than signed as required by the Wills Act 7 of 1953.In a report filed on 29 January, the Master wrote: “At the time that I examined the will, and to date, it still does not comply with the requirements of the Wills Act. The administration of this estate has therefore been placed on hold until the High Court pronounces itself on this matter.”The disputed will stipulates that Kanepolo's wife would inherit the traditional homestead at Oshana Shituwaata village in Engodi constituency and a Toyota VVTi, while Mesag would receive the 10 000-hectare Kanepolo cattle post at Onalusheeshete in the Oshikoto region, together with its livestock.Mesag would also inherit residential and commercial properties at Okanenge village and a business property at Okakwiya, including premises housing a bottle store, butcheries, supermarket, guesthouse, cold room and storerooms.Another son, Victor, would receive business properties at Ompungwe and Osipita.The will allocates Mesag 75% of the remaining cash and investments, with the balance distributed among the other children in varying percentages ranging from 1% to 3%.Mesag is also allocated a New Holland tractor, an Iveco truck, a Toyota Land Cruiser, a Toyota Hilux and a Lexus LX450L, alongside furniture, clothing, jewellery, firearms and household goods.The document provides for a special-needs trust for one of Kanepolo’s daughters, while directing that property and other assets not specifically allocated should be divided equally among the children.Siblings contest will’s validityMesag maintains that the document reflects his father's intentions and says Kanepolo signed it on 13 March 2020 in the presence of two witnesses at the Ondangwa Magistrate's Court.In his affidavit, he describes his father as an established businessman and farmer who had spent decades building his estate and had clear wishes about how it should be managed after his death.However, his sister Sara disputes that account, challenging both the authenticity of the document and the circumstances surrounding its discovery.“I submit that my father did not sign any document purporting to be his last will and testament as alleged by Mesag,” Sara wrote in court documents. “… What is surprising is the fact that Mesag has failed to come out clean on how he found out or discovered this will and testament,” she added.Sara also questions Mesag's appointment as executor, arguing that the will had already been rejected and that the family had not been informed of its existence.Another son, Fillemon, who filed an affidavit in suport of Sara, maintains that neither Mesag nor the alleged witnesses disclosed the existence of a will to the family.“During the funeral, the only statements concerning my father’s estate were that my father had wished to have a trust created which would ensure that his wealth is properly managed to benefit all his children,” Fillemon said.He also approached one of the alleged witnesses, Asser Nashikaku, seeking an explanation of how the document was signed but says he received no clear answer.‘Able and capable’A letter dated 11 February 2021, addressed to Ondonga King Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo and seen by Namibian Sun, provides a separate account of Kanepolo's intentions concerning his farm.In the letter, Kanepolo explained that advancing age had made it difficult for him to continue farming and that he wanted Mesag to take over the property, including its livestock and equipment.“It is old age and I have become vulnerable. I've worked hard for years, without anybody’s assistance except during times when I'll call random people for help. Now, I can no longer work,” he wrote at the time.“Therefore, I would like to delegate someone to take over my duties, a person who is able and capable of taking it forward. This will be one of my children, Mesag.”He explained that several of his children had been reluctant to participate in farming despite his repeated appeals for assistance and asked the traditional authority to ensure that his wishes were respected to prevent family disputes.Kanepolo described Mesag as the farm's “new rightful owner” and said the property comprised nine camps and six boreholes costing N$1.5 million.In an affidavit before the High Court, Nangolo confirmed that Kanepolo had personally met him to explain how he wanted his estate managed and had subsequently communicated those intentions in writing.“He [Kanepolo] did so through a special meeting which he requested and held with me in my capacity as Omukwaniilwa of the Ondonga Traditional Authority, during which he clearly communicated how he wished his estate to be managed and by whom...,” Nangolo informed the court.

Siblings clash over Kanepolo’s business empire

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-19

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Siblings clash over Kanepolo’s business empire

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-19

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