REPORT

BY
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

NORTH 6
EXHUMATION OF OWETHU.K.MABO
AT ETAFULENI CEMETERY

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Ref:
Enquiries: R Van Roos
Tel Number: 031 322 1776
Date :

REPORT
EXHUMATION OF Mr. M.M Khuzwayo

DATE OF EXHUMATION: Thursday . 29 June 2023

NAME AND TITLE OF INDIVIDUAL TO WHOM REPORT ISSUED

TO: EHSM
PREMISES STREET ADDRESS
Etafuleni Cemetery Etafuleni, Inanda
CITY/PROVINCE/COUNTRY TYPE OF PROCESS
Durban, KZN, South Africa Exhumation of Mr S.E NDIMANDE.

DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED UNDERTAKER

Environmental Health, Occupational Durban Funerals (Valid COC)
Health and safety, Parks & A Chetty 031 500 2815
Cemeteries Sishi Funerals
Objective of the report:

 To provide background information on the Exhumation.

 To provide findings and recommendations.
 To provide applicable annexures.

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Background

An application was made by the Parks & Cemeteries department on (Annexure 1) for the
exhumation of Owethu Khanya Mabo at Etafuleni cemetery, to be reburied at East in
Mthatha. No objection was raised by Environmental Health with conditions to the
requirements being sent through to the Parks & Cemeteries department (annexure 2).

The Responsible funeral undertaker (certificate number:) was Cebolethu Funerals (…) as per
the application documents.

Introduction

On the 20th of June 2023, the exhumation on Qwethu Khanya Mabo was carried out at the
Etafuleni Cemetery, scheduled for 09:00 am. This was in collaboration with the Parks &
Cemeteries, Sherriff’s office and Occupational Health & Safety department.

Outcomes

 The exhumation commenced after 09:00am.

 South African Police Services (SAPS) were not present at the time of Exhumation,
which is in contravention with Section 27(1)(b) of the Regulation relating to the
Management of human remains (Government Notice R363 in Government Gazette
36473 dated 22 May 2013).
 Cebolethu funerals were on site and assisted with the removal of remains. COC
(annexure 3) was on file with documents submitted prior to commencement of the
exhumation. (Pic 5)
 Etafuleni cemetery does not have a constant supply of portable water, with the
workers providing their own 20L of water. (Pic 1)
 Exhumation site was not well concealed from public view as per Section 27 (c) of the
Regulation relating to the Management of human remains. (Pic 3)
 Adequate sanitizers/disinfectant with functional spray bottle was provided. (Pic 4)
 Personal Protective equipment/ clothing was provided. (Pic 2)
 The grave and the body bag were treated with a disinfectant after the exhumation.
 Health nuisance’s observed:

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 - One of the workers who were directly responsible for handling the
remains removed their face masks.

Recommendations

 A constant supply of portable water must be provided at the facility.

 Ensure that the exhumation site is concealed from the full view of public.
 An exhumation should always be conducted under the supervision of the officer in
charge as per Section 27(1)(c) of the Regulation relating to the Management of human
remains.

Challenges
 The exhumation started later than expected due to the late arrival of the tractor that
would help assist with the digging of the grave.

Annexures
 Annexure 1 – Parks and Cemeteries request
 Annexure 2 – Environmental Health Memo
 Annexure 3 – COC

Pictures

PIC 1 PIC 2

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 PIC 3 PIC 4

PIC 5

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