Grieving family forces Capitec branch closure after bringing body to prove death

Famoly protested with relative’s body at Capitec branch on Wednesday

Scenes of shock unfolded in Stanger, KwaZulu-Natal, on Wednesday when a grieving family carried the body of their deceased relative into a local Capitec Bank branch in what they say was a desperate attempt to prove that their loved one had died.

According to reports, the family had approached the bank to process a claim linked to the deceased.

They allege they were told to provide proof of death before any payment could be considered.

Instead of waiting to secure official documentation from Home Affairs, the family reportedly collected the body from a mortuary and brought it into the branch as evidence.

The unexpected protest caused panic inside the premises and forced the branch to close its doors earlier than usual.

The dramatic action has drawn widespread attention, but it is not the first time such an incident has occurred in the area.

In 2025, another grieving family took a coffin containing their relative’s body into a Capitec branch at KwaDukuza Mall, also in northern KwaZulu-Natal, after claiming there had been delays in a funeral insurance payout.

At the time, the family said they were initially promised that funds would be released within 48 hours after lodging their claim.

They were later informed that payment would only reflect nearly a month later, on August 22.

Feeling cornered by funeral costs and mounting pressure, they decided to confront the bank in person with the coffin, saying the delay had placed an unbearable emotional and financial strain on them.

The protest stunned shoppers and staff, with many expressing sympathy for the family’s plight.

A similar protest in 2019 also made national headlines when Ntombenhle Mhlongo and Thandaza Mtshali carried the body of 46-year-old Sifiso Mhlongo, sealed in a body bag, into an Old Mutual office in Stanger over an unpaid claim.

Following that confrontation, Old Mutual reportedly released the R30,000 payout, and the deceased was laid to rest soon after.