The Icebolethu Funeral Group has denied claims that bricks were found inside the coffin of the late Dr TE Nkonyane, president of the Enyonini Mission Church in Newcastle, ahead of his planned burial on June 6.

“There were no bricks inside the casket, those claims are not true,” said Public Relations Officer Sinawo Simandle.

The denial follows a dramatic interruption of the funeral service after police arrived with a High Court interdict obtained by Nkonyane’s wife, stopping the burial from proceeding.

The controversy escalated after allegations emerged that the coffin did not contain Nkonyane’s remains, but instead contained bricks.

A criminal case was subsequently opened against the Icebolethu Funeral Group and Nkonyane’s live-in partner, Ms P Mazibuko.

The incident caused outrage among members of the Christian Catholic Apostolic Holy Spirit Church in Zion, Inyoni Emhlophe, as well as the Nkonyane family.

According to a statement issued by the church, members were concluding the funeral programme when police arrived with an order from the Pietermaritzburg High Court, halting the burial.

The application was brought earlier that morning by Dolly Nkonyane, the late church president’s wife.
The church stated that the couple had been married in community of property since 1988 and had never divorced.

The court granted the order, which was executed by police, alongside members of the Nkonyane family.

“Ms Mazibuko, who had been living with the late president in Durban, where he died, had proceeded with funeral arrangements without involving the Nkonyane family or Mrs Nkonyane,” the church said.

Coffin allegedly contained bricks

The court ordered that the cortege return to the mortuary with the family.

The church stated that, upon returning to the mortuary, the Nkonyane family requested that the coffin be opened.

“It was then discovered, in the presence of the police escorting the coffin, that the coffin did not contain the body of the late president but only building bricks,” the statement read.

Nkonyane family has since opened a criminal case at Osizweni police station against Ms Mazibuko and the funeral service provider.

The church described the incident as “unfortunate and inhumane” and said it supported the Nkonyane family’s pursuit of justice.

“The Christian Catholic Apostolic Holy Spirit Church in Zion, Inyoni Emhlophe, is saddened by this unfortunate and inhumane turn of events. The church stands with the Nkonyane family and supports their pursuit of justice in this matter,” the statement said.

Icebolethu responds to allegations

However, Icebolethu Funeral Group has rejected all claims made against it in a statement released on its official Facebook page last week.

According to Public Relations Officer Sinawo Simandle, the company was aware of concerns and public discussions surrounding the funeral arrangements of Dr Nkonyane.

Simandle said that, as a company entrusted with serving bereaved families, Icebolethu took any concerns involving its funeral operations seriously and remained committed to professionalism, integrity and respect for the law.

“We wish to state that Icebolethu carried out this burial like any other dignified burial we handle. We adhered to all our procedures according to our service standards and the industry’s legal framework,” he said.

He further stated that Dr Nkonyane’s body was not missing and that the family had buried the body according to their preferences.

“Icebolethu Group acknowledges and respects the family’s beliefs, customs and cultural practices,” Simandle said.

According to Simandle, Icebolethu delivered the deceased’s remains to the family home on Friday, June 5, following standard procedures and the family’s request.

On Saturday, June 6, the company proceeded with the funeral arrangements. However, during the proceedings, Icebolethu was presented with a court order and complied with it, Simandle said.

“Throughout the process, Icebolethu’s priority was to remain compliant with legal directives, preserve the dignity of the deceased, and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all affected parties,” he said.

He added that, as the matter remained subject to further investigations and legal processes, it would be inappropriate for the company to comment on specific allegations or details circulating on various platforms.

“We wish to assure our clients, stakeholders and the broader public that we remain committed to transparency, accountability and adherence to all applicable laws, regulations and industry standards,” he said.

Simandle urged members of the public to allow the relevant authorities and legal processes to take their course and avoid speculation that could prejudice ongoing proceedings or cause further distress to the bereaved families.

“We also ask that the family be given space and support to resolve their differences,” he concluded.

Family seeks exhumation order

Meanwhile, the Nkonyane family has allegedly filed an urgent court application seeking permission to exhume human remains from a shallow grave discovered at the pastors’ quarters.

The family believes the remains could belong to Nkonyane.

The discovery was reportedly made on Monday afternoon after family members, friends and congregants launched an extensive search for Nkonyane’s body.

The circumstances surrounding the whereabouts of Nkonyane’s remains remain under police investigation.

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