Coffin theft has grave court consequences
A 50-YEAR-OLD Ulundi funeral parlour owner appeared in the Mahlabathini Magistrate’s Court on Monday, accused of being in possession of a stolen dome coffin, green runner and two grave anchors belonging to Celani Funeral Services.
Nkosinathi Mbatha was arrested on Saturday, and at Monday's court appearance was remanded in police custody pending further investigation.
He is expected to appear in the same court on Monday for a formal bail application.
A source close to the victim alleges the suspect arrived at their offices last Thursday wanting to buy a dome coffin at a discounted price.
‘His request was declined. On Friday morning, when our manager arrived at the office, she discovered a burglary had taken place and some items were missing from the storeroom.
‘The matter was reported to the Ulundi SAPS for investigation,’ the source said.
President of the National Funeral Practitioners Association of South Africa, Muzi Hlengwa said if the allegations are true, the suspect doesn’t deserve to be in the funeral industry.
‘We are in a sensitive industry. Our clients come to us when they have lost their loved ones. These people are in pain after losing a family member, so a parlour would not cause further pain by selling a stolen coffin to them,' said Hlengwa.
‘Imagine if police found this coffin during the burial, what would have happened? I don’t think the suspect is affiliated to any association because if he is, he would have approached other association members to borrow a coffin as we don’t sell coffins to each other. There was no reason for him to steal a coffin,’ said Hlengwa.
Zululand police cluster spokesperson, Captain Nkosie Gwala said the suspect was caught with stolen property by Ulundi detectives.
‘He is facing a case of business break-in and theft,’ she said
If the allegations are true, the suspect doesn’t deserve to be in the funeral industry