The two women who left their grandmother’s body in Capitec KwaDukuza yesterday (February 18) have been arrested for the dramatic act of protest.

According to KwaDukuza police spokesperson, constable Sphesihle Myeni, the two women arrived in a hearse before dropping the body on the floor of the branch on Chief Albert Luthuli Street.

“It is alleged that the family had two funeral cover policies with the bank for their grandmother,” he said.

“One policy had been paid out, while the second was still pending verification due to an unclear funeral parlour stamp.”

The two women were arrested on charges of extortion, intimidation and public disturbance. They are expected to appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court soon.

The deceased’s body was removed from the premises and transported to the KwaDukuza mortuary for further processing.

In a statement, Capitec said it was deeply saddened by the incident. The bank extended its condolences to the family and apologised to clients and staff affected by the disruption.

“We recognise the impact this situation has had on those involved, as well as on our employees and the broader community,” said a Capitec spokesperson.

“The branch has been closed while we manage the matter. We are providing the necessary support to all affected parties.”

The bank said it was co-operating with the relevant authorities and that all procedures will be handled with care, dignity and respect.

Yesterday’s incident is the third time a body has been left in a KwaDukuza bank branch since 2019.

In July last year, a grieving family carried a coffin into the Capitec branch at KwaDukuza Mall in protest of a delayed insurance payout. The claim was later settled.

Six years earlier, in November 2019, a body was left in an Old Mutual branch in KwaDukuza over a similar dispute.

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