The memorial for the late veteran actor Seputla Sebogodi has been marked by a contentious family feud, with Mary Kau suggesting that the case may need to be settled in court after the family was sidelined regarding the burial arrangements.
In an interview on Friday, 25 July 2026, Kau mentioned her endorsement of pursuing legal action to have her brother’s remains moved to Ga-Mothapo, the family’s traditional burial site. She further confirmed that she had not had the opportunity to see Sebogodi’s body since his death on 15 July due to diabetes complications. She previously attracted attention for criticizing his wife during the funeral.
Public Response to the Burial Controversy
The Sebogodi family had initially wished for the actor to be interred at Makgopeng Cemetery, the traditional resting place for their ancestors. However, his widow, Machuene Rosina Semenya, reportedly chose Silicon Cemetery instead, a decision that was ultimately accepted. Kau lamented the situation, stating to reporters: “When they bury my brother at Silicon Cemetery, who will be with him, since his parents rest in Ga-Mothapo.”
The funeral service was held at Jack Botes Hall, beginning at 7 am on Saturday, 25 July. Kau planned to attend to witness where her brother would be finally laid to rest.
The family’s sorrow extends beyond the burial site. They alleged they were excluded from customary rites and prevented from viewing the body, with some relatives claiming they hadn’t been formally introduced to Semenya prior to Sebogodi’s death. At the funeral, Mary spoke at the microphone reciting the family’s clan poem and directed a pointed comment at her brother’s widow: “It was not us who brought you here; it was your wife,” prompting murmurs from those present.
Check out the video from SABC News here:
This dispute has sparked intense discussions online, with South Africans divided in their opinions.
@DuchessWakanda: “She is full of drama… their brother has a wife, she is in charge… she will also decide the burial… in-laws have shown to be bullies and unfair in many cases… You want to manage your household as well as your brother’s…”
@SocietyNews: “…and adult children. She’s third in line if anything. Our people must grasp the authority of a marriage certificate. What recognition do the in-laws give to the wife without legal scrutiny?”
@SocietyNews further remarked: “Definitely not the same thing. She is the only one dissenting, yet says she will support anyone going to court. Who could that be if she stands alone? The headline implies she is the one wishing to pursue this legally. By the way, she isn’t speaking Sepedi dialect.”
