Two Arrested After Family Brings Body To Capitec Stanger Branch As ‘Proof Of Death’

Capitec Bank has confirmed it is cooperating with authorities after two women were arrested following a dramatic incident at its Stanger branch in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal.

Police have since arrested two women from the family. They face charges of extortion, intimidation and public disturbance. The pair are expected to appear in the Kwadukuza Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

The incident unfolded on Wednesday morning when a grieving family allegedly brought the body of a deceased relative into the branch in what was described as an attempt to provide “proof of death” for a funeral insurance claim. The branch was temporarily closed as the situation escalated.

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Police: One Capitec Policy Paid, Second Pending Verification

Police spokesperson Constable Siphesihle Myeni told SurgeZirc SA that reports indicate the family had two funeral policies with the bank for their grandmother.

“One was paid out and the second was pending verification due to an unclear funeral parlour stamp,” he said.

“The deceased body was taken to Kwadukuza Mortuary for further investigation,” said Myeni.

It is understood that the family transported the body to the bank using a funeral parlour vehicle. It remains unclear whether the body had previously been at the mortuary and how it was released to the family.

A video circulating online shows several individuals removing a body covered in plastic from what appears to be a funeral parlour van before carrying it into the branch.

Security Responds as Scene Turns Chaotic

Nikesh Hooblall, owner of Taurus Medical and Security, said he was alerted to the situation via a group WhatsApp message.

“When I arrived, there was a lot of commotion. The family stood outside talking to officials, while security cordoned off the bank,” he said.

“The deceased was in a body bag on the floor inside the bank. It seemed there was a dispute over a funeral policy.”

Hooblall added that they secured the scene and contacted police for assistance.

Capitec expressed regret over the incident, extending condolences to the family and assuring clients that funeral policy payouts are processed once all required documentation is received.

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In a statement, Capitec said: “We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred at our Stanger branch. We extend our sincere condolences to the family during this difficult time and apologise to those affected. We are engaging with the authorities to ensure all processes are followed with care, dignity and respect.”

The bank assured clients that their funeral policies remain valid and secure, explaining that claim payouts depend on the timely submission of the required documentation.

“Once we receive all the correct documents, we process payouts as swiftly as possible. Our team works to ensure families get the support they need without delays.”

Similar Funeral Claim Incident Reported in 2019

This is not the first time such a dramatic situation has unfolded in KwaZulu-Natal. In 2019, SurgeZirc SA reported on a separate incident in which a family brought a body to an Old Mutual branch after alleging a funeral claim dispute. The company later stated that the claim had been paid.

Authorities are handling the current matter, while public debate continues around funeral insurance processes and the desperation faced by grieving families.