Family split over father’s burial

A GRIEVING widow, who says her husband was not buried in accordance with his wishes, is now taking her stepchildren to court in a bid to have his remains exhumed and a second funeral arranged.

Susan Matumela Thuleli’s husband, Lalaza Russell Dlamini, died two weeks ago.

Last week, the uMlazi woman rushed to the Durban High Court to have two of her husband’s children from an earlier relationship, Ntombi Cele and Nhlanhla Dlamini, urgently interdicted from proceeding with plans to bury him at the weekend.

She said that while she had been separated from Dlamini prior to his death they had been trying to “repair” their relationship.

She said in court papers that neither she nor his family from Vryheid had been consulted in accordance with Zulu customs about the burial.

“This may have severe ritual consequences,” she said.

Thuleli explained that Dlamini’s parents were buried in Vryheid.

An interim order was granted to put the funeral on hold but when the matter came before Judge Sharmaine Balton yesterday, it emerged despite the court order Dlamini’s children went ahead and buried him. The step children were present in court yesterday, but were not represented by an attorney.

Judge Balton explained they would be given time to respond to any application brought by Thuleli in respect of the matter.

Thuleli’s legal team has until later this month to file additional papers, in support of the relief she now seeks and/or a contempt of court application.

The matter will come before the courts again in late March.