According to the sales representative, she was coming from Midwater’s direction down Oranje Street when a bakkie with cargo in its bin drove past the Middelburg Cemetery, and a man, obviously dead and wrapped in ropes, was placed on top of the cargo.

The rep was certain that the man was deceased, and explained that he was already grey in the face and still dressed in his construction attire with safety gloves on his hands.

According to the rep, the bakkie was full of cargo, and the man was placed on top of it in full view of morning commuters.

The bakkie drove very slowly, with two men seated in the back of the bakkie with the body, and the driver headed to the industrial area.

The Middelburg Observer asked André van Wyk from Roseleigh Funeral Home whether it was legal to transport human remains privately.

According to Van Wyk, human remains are often released to family members, and private transport is allowed with the necessary permits and documentation.
He, however, described the sighting as very strange and as something only seen in horror movies.

“I am not versed in the laws surrounding private transport of human remains, but can confirm that the transport of a body should be done in a way that is not offensive or repulsive to members of the public. In our industry, we have to ensure that remains are transported in a dignified way, and hidden from the view of the public.”

Van Wyk also added that it might not be unusual for a bakkie to be used in private burials, but that the remains are usually covered and under a canopy.
“It sounds very strange and unusual, because even with private burials, respect is shown to the deceased.”

• The Middelburg Observer could not verify where the vehicle or body was headed, and also filed an enquiry with the Middelburg Police Station to confirm whether the incident was reported.

According to Sgt. Nonhlanhla Mdluli (media spokesperson), no such incident was reported to the police.