Over two months since the brazen theft of three bodies from Motheo wa Bophelo Funeral Parlour in Kuruman, Northern Cape, grieving families are still desperate for answers, while police investigations yield few leads.
The incident, which occurred in March, saw two men allegedly overpower security guards before making off with the bodies. The shocking crime has left families in anguish, with one widow saying the ordeal has severely impacted her health.
Families Demand Closure
The wife of one of the deceased men, a mother of four, described her deteriorating condition since her husband’s body was stolen.
“I don’t sleep at night. My blood pressure is high, my diabetes is abnormal, my heart is not okay,” she said. “I go to doctors all the time, and they tell me it’s because of stress. No one is calling to tell me if they will ever find my husband’s body. They are just quiet.”
The brother of another victim expressed frustration over the lack of progress, saying the family had hoped for assistance from police and local authorities.
“We just want to find his remains and bury him with dignity,” he said. “We would have buried him by now and moved on with our lives, but instead, we are in deep pain.”
Foul Play Suspected in Unregulated Industry
The Funeral Industry Reformed Association has raised suspicions about the motives behind the theft, suggesting the bodies may have been taken for “medical purposes, muti (traditional medicine), or even by competitors” in what they describe as an unregulated industry.
“This industry needs to be regulated,” a representative said. “The only conclusion we can draw is that these bodies were stolen with criminal intent.”
Police Offer R100,000 Reward
Authorities have announced a R100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Meanwhile, affected families have requested privacy as they grapple with the trauma.
As investigations continue, the community of Kuruman remains on edge, hoping for a breakthrough in this disturbing case.
