Bitter fighting threatens to ruin Koyo Bala memorial

Johannesburg - As family and friends are still coming to terms with the loss of 3Sum member, Koyo Bala, reports of bitter in-fighting between his friends threatened to ruin funeral arrangements for the late singer.

Koyo passed away on Monday after a long battle with cancer, which saw him go for gruelling chemotherapy sessions. Despite the disease ravaging his body, Koyo was upbeat and only a week prior to his death was at the Metro FM Awards with his high-profile friends.

In the wake of his death, reports of feuding between two of his friends have since emerged, with Iko Mash and Ephraim Molingoane taking public shots at each other.

Family and friends have called for a truce, saying now is not the time to be fighting. "Everybody is really upset. No matter what happened in the past, Koyo is gone. We have to pay our respects to him, not get involved in fights," a source close to the family told us.

"Koyo deserves dignity at this time. That is all that matters," added another insider.

It's believed that a tentative truce has been reached, but tensions are simmering as those at loggerheads will be in attendance at both the memorial and funeral.

Here are the details:

Memorial

Tuesday, 15 March, Baseline, 3pm.

Funeral

Saturday, 19 March, Cape Town (Time and venue to be announced)