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Man’s lifeless body devoured in rat-infested home

Hlanyane said the situation she found on arrival at the home forced her to seek help for the removal of the body.

VEREENIGING – The body of A 42-year-old Sipho Mlungwana was devoured by rats after he died at his home in Leeuhof, Vereeniging. Ward 15 Councillor Prudence Hlanyane said she was called on January 12 after the younger brother of the deceased arrived home from work and found his brother’s lifeless body inside their home.

Speaking to Ster North, Hlanyane said the house had been infested by rats due to an illegal dump near the house. She further highlighted that the house had also been turned into a dumping site and been severely vandalized.

Hlanyane said the situation she found on arrival at the home forced her to seek help for the removal of the body.

“The first respondents at the scene were emergency services and the SAPS who both said they could not remove the body.

“Emergency personnel said they could not load a body on the ambulance as they are only allowed to transport sick people to the hospital while police said they could not intervene as the scene was not that of a crime.”

Hlanyane said she then contacted the Social Development Department to assist with the removal of the body as well as an indigent burial as the family is destitute.

Hlanyane states that she was not able to get the help she needed because the family could not provide the Identity Document of the deceased. She states that the incident has highlighted the need for the municipality to have a look at its indigent policy.

The body was only removed the following day at around 15:00.

ELM’s Chuchi Radebe says, “Contrasting media reports on the incident, the matter was communicated to the Social Development office on Monday at 01h32. The manager responsible read the message upon waking up at 06h22 and immediately contacted the Ward Councillor for necessary documentation.

“Regrettably, the documentation was not readily obtainable which delayed aid from the municipality, including collecting the body of the deceased. Our indigent policy is fairly compatible and has assisted numerous families with burials however, there is always room for improvement.”

Radebe said the matter has since been resolved, adding that a burial would be underway as soon as all arrangements have been made.

Radebe said residents making use of the indigent policy are advised that an ID Copy of the deceased, ID Copy of the applicant, an Affidavit from SAPS and a Letter from Ward Councillor are important.

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Gugulethu Kgongoane

Gugulethu Kgongoane is the Online Editor of Sedibeng Ster. Email: gugu@mooivaal.co.za She is also an online journalist of Vaalweekblad. Email: gugu@mooivaal.co.za
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