Two women from KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast are expected to appear in court on Thursday after allegedly carrying their grandmother’s body into a local bank during a dispute over an insurance payout.
The pair, aged 57 and 48, were arrested on Wednesday at a branch of Capitec Bank on Chief Albert Luthuli Street in KwaDukuza.
According to South African Police Service spokesperson Siphesihle Myeni, officers responded to reports of a disturbance at the bank.
Preliminary information suggests the family had taken out two funeral cover policies for their grandmother. While one policy, valued at R50,000, had been paid out, a second payment was reportedly delayed due to verification issues linked to an unclear funeral parlour stamp.
Police say the delay sparked frustration, prompting the family to transport the deceased’s body to the bank using a funeral parlour vehicle in an effort to press their claim.
The women now face charges including extortion, intimidation and public disturbance.
The incident forced the temporary closure of the branch. In a statement posted on social media, Capitec said it was saddened by the events and apologised to affected clients, adding that an investigation was underway.
The bank said it is working closely with authorities to ensure the matter is handled with care, dignity and respect for all involved.
While the episode briefly halted business, it has also highlighted the emotional strain families often face when navigating funeral and insurance processes under pressure.