A criminal investigation is underway after mourners at the funeral of eNyonini church leader Dr. Thamsanqa Elijah Nkonyane allegedly discovered building bricks inside a coffin that was meant to carry his remains.
The funeral, held in Osizweni, Newcastle, was halted by police following a High Court interdict obtained by the late pastor’s wife. This intervention triggered a dramatic chain of events, with the family now reporting they have uncovered what they believe to be a shallow grave at the church premises and are seeking a court order to exhume remains.
In an interview, the pastor’s sister, Sibongile Nkonyane, served as a family spokesperson and detailed the unfolding events. She confirmed the family is pursuing legal avenues to secure a court order regarding the burial arrangements, stating the late pastor had expressed a wish to be laid to rest in Newcastle.
According to Sibongile Nkonyane, confusion surrounded the funeral logistics. The family stated they were awaiting location details for the service and were not part of the convoy traveling to Newcastle. When the funeral proceedings were interrupted by police, the family was instructed to wait until the service concluded.
The family subsequently approached Icebolethu, an organization involved in the arrangements. Sibongile Nkonyane identified individuals present: Mkhize, who introduced himself as the chairperson of Icebolethu; Nomfundo Dlala, identified as the Newcastle manager for the organization; and Vusimusi Ama, who was coordinating the funeral.
She recounted that when she asked Mkhize about the whereabouts of her brother’s body, he did not provide a direct answer but suggested the family could open the casket to see for themselves. The family, escorted by police led by District Commissioner, then proceeded to the Icebolethu premises.
Upon arrival, Sibongile Nkonyane stated that Icebolethu representatives indicated the family’s escort was complete. However, relatives urged family members to enter and witness what was about to occur. Inside, the casket was opened.
“The coffin was opened from the bottom. At the legs were two building bricks,” Sibongile Nkonyane stated, alleging the coffin contained no remains. She emphasized that when she pressed for answers on where the pastor was buried, she did not receive a clear response.
The family maintains that the coffin presented for the funeral was empty and that the discovery of bricks has deepened their distress and suspicion. They are now calling for transparency and a full accounting of the late pastor’s remains.
The criminal investigation into the disappearance of Dr. Thamsanqa Elijah Nkonyane’s body remains active as authorities work to resolve the conflicting claims and locate the missing remains.
