South African gospel artist Mpumi Mtsweni is mourning the heartbreaking loss of her mother, Ntompela Winnie Mtsweni, who passed away on Wednesday, 27 May at the age of 57 after an illness. The singer, who is also a member of the renowned gospel group Spirits of Praise, has described the period as deeply painful while also expressing anger over scammers who attempted to exploit her family’s grief. The situation has added emotional strain to an already difficult time for the family. Despite the tragedy, Mpumi has remained vocal about the importance of protecting people from fraudsters who use personal loss for financial gain. Her response has drawn widespread attention from fans and the gospel community.
According to Mpumi Mtsweni, she was alerted by a friend after scammers attempted to use her name and that of her husband, Mfundo Tshabalala, to request money from unsuspecting individuals. The fraudulent messages were reportedly sent via text, asking for loans under false pretenses. Fortunately, no money was lost as recipients quickly became suspicious and verified the claims before responding. The incident highlighted how quickly scammers can take advantage of public figures during vulnerable moments. Mpumi expressed frustration that such behavior occurred while she was still grieving the death of her mother.
The gospel singer strongly condemned the actions of those responsible, stating that she has never asked for money or donations from the public. She questioned how anyone could use a family tragedy to deceive others for financial gain. Her comments reflected both grief and anger as she dealt with the emotional impact of losing her mother while also addressing the attempted fraud. Mpumi emphasized that her pain was already overwhelming and that the scam only made the situation more distressing. She described the behavior as deeply wrong and morally unacceptable.
Mpumi also paid tribute to her late mother, describing her as a loving and strong woman who played a major role in shaping her life. She shared that her mother taught her to put God first in everything and to remain strong in all circumstances. These lessons, she said, continue to guide her even during this painful period of loss. The gospel artist expressed how devastated she feels but also acknowledged the lasting influence her mother had on her character and faith. Her tribute reflected both sorrow and gratitude for the life her mother lived.
Support from fans, friends, and the wider public has provided some comfort to Mpumi and her family during this difficult time. She noted that they have received numerous messages of encouragement, calls, and expressions of sympathy since her mother’s passing. This support has helped the family navigate their grief while preparing for and attending funeral arrangements. The funeral service for Ntompela Winnie Mtsweni was held on Tuesday, 2 June at the Witbank Civic Centre in Mpumalanga. The gathering brought together loved ones to honor her life and legacy.
Mpumi Mtsweni’s experience highlights both the vulnerability of public figures during personal tragedy and the growing issue of online fraud targeting grieving families. Her decision to speak out has drawn attention to the need for awareness and caution when dealing with unsolicited financial requests. At the same time, her tribute to her mother reflects a deep sense of love, faith, and respect for the values she was taught. As she continues to grieve, Mpumi remains supported by her faith, her community, and her music family. Her story stands as both a warning against exploitation and a reminder of the strength found in family bonds and spiritual grounding.
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