A Johannesburg Court has ordered Pretty M to return the grand piano she stole from Lebo M when he was absent.
Grammy-winning composer Lebohang “Lebo M” Morake has won a significant legal victory as the Johannesburg High Court ordered his former spouse, Pretty Samuels, to return a premium concert piano allegedly taken without authorization.
Pretty Steals High-Value Piano After Divorce
The court mandated that Samuels and the second respondent, Erin (last name undisclosed), surrender the distinctive ebony-colored Blüthner grand piano (serial #103952) by April 16. The instrument, valued at R1.2 million, was reportedly sold below market value after being removed from a secure storage facility in Sandton.
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Morake urgently pursued legal action upon discovering the piano’s disappearance while preparing for a high-profile Cape Town performance featuring Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer. The instrument plays a crucial role in the production’s specialised lighting and set design.
Storage Agreement and Ownership Details
Court documents reveal Morake originally purchased the piano in 2008 for R80,000. The musical treasure had been securely stored at Greg Rollinson Pianos’ Johannesburg facility under a contract signed using Morake’s electronic signature, which Samuels retained post-divorce.
Lebo M Productions maintained regular storage payments of R850 monthly. The 2024 divorce settlement explicitly excluded the piano from shared assets, with Morake retaining ownership of all personal possessions in his custody.
Pretty Samuels Allegedly Steal Piano From Lebo M
Court orders Pretty Samuels to return stolen piano-Image Source@Timeslive
Legal filings indicate Samuels allegedly orchestrated the piano’s transfer in April 2024 by engaging Gayle On The Move Pianos while Morake was unaware. The instrument was reportedly delivered to Erin’s Fairmount residence following WhatsApp instructions from Samuels, who later claimed ownership via social media.
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Morake only discovered the disappearance in March 2025 when staff attempted retrieval for his upcoming concert. The composer promptly initiated legal proceedings, which Samuels chose not to contest.
Court’s Swift Decision
Presiding Judge Norman Manoim reviewed the evidence and granted Morake’s request for the piano’s immediate return. The ruling emphasizes the clear ownership documentation and improper transfer method.
As of publication, verification of the piano’s return remains pending. This case highlights the complex asset disputes that can arise following high-profile divorces, particularly involving unique, high-value items with professional significance.