The South African tycoon, Abe Krok, who made his fortune from selling skin lightening cream in the height of the Apartheid era, has passed away, and the family feuds that ensued prior to his death are reminiscent of the title of the 80s B movie, “Daddy’s dying, who’s got the will?”
Abe and Solly, identical twin brothers, labored to lighten dark skins during Apartheid and spent their money on luxury resorts, casinos and leisure properties. At one time Abe owned the South African football team, the Mamelodi Sundowns, and was worth $200 million before dementia from Parkinson’s disease took its toll. Abe was reduced to spreading butter on a napkin, writing on tablecloths and addressing a woman who wasn’t there as his ex wife, according to Times Live.
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For years, his family has been embroiled in a complicated battle over who would handle Krok’s estate and trusts, since he was no longer deemed mentally fit to do so. Five of his six children wanted a curator put in charge of Krok’s affairs, but one of his sons, Maxim, and his wife of 26 years, Rosie, did not want a curator. The five other children claimed Maxim made Abe sign things he was not aware of and that Maxim wants to exercise undue influence over Abe’s affairs. They also claim that Rosie was addicted to internet gambling and could not be relied upon to make financial decisions. Maxim and Rosie said the others were incapable of earning a living and were leeching from the trust. With Abe Krok’s demise, a storm seems to be brewing.
