A grieving family in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal, caused a dramatic scene at a Capitec Bank branch on Wednesday when they brought their deceased grandmother’s body to the premises in a dispute over a funeral cover payout.
Two women have since been arrested and are facing charges of extortion, disturbance and intimidation.
The incident unfolded at Capitec’s Stanger branch on Chief Albert Luthuli Street, where bank staff and clients looked on in shock as the family arrived with the body in a vehicle belonging to a funeral parlour.
Dispute over second funeral policy
Police spokesperson Constable Siphesihle Myeni said the family had taken out two funeral policies with the bank for their grandmother.
Myeni said one of the policies had already been paid out, but the second claim was delayed because the funeral parlour stamp on the documentation was unclear and needed verification.
“The family brought the deceased’s body to the bank using a funeral parlour’s vehicle, causing disturbance and intimidation,” Myeni said.
As a result, two women were arrested on charges of extortion, disturbance and intimidation. They are expected to appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
Viral video and branch closure
A video circulating on social media shows members of the family offloading what appears to be a human body in a bag from the back of a minibus van outside the branch.
In response, Capitec Bank issued a statement saying it was saddened by the incident and had temporarily closed the Stanger branch.
“We recognise the impact this situation has had on those involved, as well as on our employees and the broader community. The branch has been closed while we manage the matter, and we are providing the necessary support to all affected parties,” the bank said.
Capitec added that it was engaging with authorities and would ensure all processes are followed with care, dignity and respect.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the family during what is clearly an incredibly difficult and emotional time.
We understand the sensitivity of the circumstances and deeply apologise to those affected,” the bank said.
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