A blind female beggar who died here suddenly has left behind SR3 million in cash, jewelry, gold worth SR1 million and four buildings, with no heir to inherit the small fortune.
Ahmad Saidi, an assistant to Ayesha, the dead beggar, said she had given him her will, which stipulates that all her money and property should be distributed among the needy. Saidi said he had informed the authorities, but there was no response.
To keep his conscience clear, he took a box with the cash, gold and jewelry and emptied it out in the street in Al-Balad for the local residents to collect.
“I am tired of this role,” he said.
“I gave statements to the police and the court and received a promise that the authorities would do what was needed,” he said.
Saidi said Ayesha had begged for 50 years. “I grew up with her in the same neighborhood since I was a young boy,” he said.
“The woman used to live with her mother and sister, both of whom were beggars.”
He said she received most of her money during holidays. Her wealth had increased after her mother and sister died, when she inherited their property.
Saidi said that when he discovered she was a millionaire he advised her to give up begging, but she refused to do so. He said she wanted to make more money.
At one stage, he helped her sell gold.
“I used to sell each one for SR250 15 years ago, now such pounds cost around SR1,000 each,” he said. Saidi said that the families in Ayesha’s four buildings must leave, because the government should take control of the property and then issue a ruling.
“Ayesha gave me a will and I won’t give up until the authorities take over the homes,” he said.
In response, one resident said he would not leave because Ayesha had wanted him to stay there without paying any rent.
Al-Balad Mayor Talaat Ghaith said the case, with all the documents, was now with the authorities. He denied that he had received money from Saidi.
“The old lady hosted these families and it’s not my role or right to evict them,” Ghaith said.
People in the neighborhood sympathize with the people living in the buildings because they are poor and often beg to make money.
Millionaire beggar leaves her fortune for the needy
