Award-winning producer and "The Lion King" composer Lebo M has opened a criminal case against his fourth estranged wife, Pretty Samuels, over the alleged theft of his prized Blüthner grand piano.
The case, opened at Sandton police station, comes in the wake of the couple’s acrimonious divorce.
The grand piano, according to Lebo M’s legal team, was never part of any settlement agreement and its disappearance has now escalated into a legal and criminal matter.
The missing piano was reportedly discovered on Monday, April 1, by Khanyi Serakoeng, who serves as Lebo M’s associate producer and project coordinator.
He noticed the instrument was gone while preparing for an upcoming collaboration with Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer, scheduled for April 18 at the GrandWest Arena in Cape Town.
This isn't just any piano; a German-made Blüthner grand piano is considered one of the most prestigious and historically significant instruments in the world, often described as a “Rolls-Royce” of pianos.
Founded in Leipzig, Germany, in 1853, Blüthner has a legacy of supplying pianos to royalty and renowned composers.
Antique or collector’s models (especially if restored) can exceed R5 million depending on provenance and craftsmanship. Whereas, used models in good condition typically fetch around R800,000 to R2 million.
And for Lebo M, the piano also carries personal value as it's linked to his successful international music career.
The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony in 2022, but cracks started to show soon after. Their divorce, finalised in May 2024, made waves for its messy and public nature, with both sides accusing each other of manipulation and betrayal.
Now, things have taken yet another turn.
Lebo M’s legal team says there was never any agreement - verbal or written - that allowed Samuels to remove or sell the grand piano. They’ve released a redacted version of the divorce settlement agreement from September 2024, which reportedly states that each party would keep the property in their possession at the time.
According to his lawyers, the piano was in Lebo M’s possession and therefore never up for grabs.
Attorney Brian Msimeki, speaking on behalf of the Grammy-winning composer, told media that Pretty’s claims of having rights to the instrument through the divorce settlement are “factually incorrect, legally baseless and deliberately misleading”.
“There is only one valid settlement agreement and it was made an order of court,” said Msimeki. “There was no agreement. No consent. No justification to remove, sell, or dispose of that instrument. Only deception.”
A redacted copy of the divorce settlement, dated 30 September 2024, was released by Lebo M’s legal team. In it, both parties agreed to retain only the property and assets already in their possession at the time of the agreement.
According to this document, the piano remained in Lebo M’s possession and therefore could not have been claimed by Samuels.
Despite this, Samuels has publicly denied any wrongdoing. In a previous statement to the press, she said, “The piano was part of the divorce settlement, so I’m baffled when he now cries foul. The issue of a stolen piano is an absurd story.”
Lebo M’s team submitted further legal correspondence to law enforcement, asserting that Samuels acted without any legal authority when she allegedly took possession of the piano.
This is not the first public fallout between the two. Their split was marked by tension and headlines, with the couple exchanging bitter accusations during and after the divorce proceedings.
Police are expected to assess the evidence submitted and determine whether further legal steps will be taken.