Icebolethu breaks silence on missing Nkonyane body mystery

ICebolethu Funeral Group has broken its silence on the mystery surrounding the disappearance of eNyonini Church president Thami Nkonyane’s body, insisting that the remains were handed over to the bereaved family and buried according to their wishes. The funeral home issued a statement on Wednesday distancing itself from mounting speculation after a shallow grave believed to contain Nkonyane’s remains was discovered at the church premises, sparking an urgent court bid by the family to exhume the body. According to ICebolethu, the body of the late church leader was released to the family on Friday and the burial arrangements proceeded as instructed by relatives.

The company said it continued with normal funeral proceedings on Saturday, June 6, until it was served with a court order during the funeral service. “Following receipt of the court order, the company remained fully compliant with all legal directives,” the statement said. ICebolethu added that because the matter is now before the courts, it would not comment further on allegations surrounding the disappearance of the body until investigations are completed.

The latest development comes amid a bizarre and escalating saga that has gripped congregants and family members. On Monday, relatives, friends and church members launched an extensive search after Nkonyane’s body allegedly went missing, leading to the discovery of human remains buried in a shallow grave at the church. The discovery followed dramatic scenes at Nkonyane’s funeral just days earlier when mourners were left stunned after a coffin believed to be carrying his remains was allegedly found to contain only bricks.

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The Nkonyane family has since sought the courts guidance to exhume the remains found at the church to determine whether they are those of the late church president.The exhumation was expected to take place on Tuesday afternoon but the family failed in obtaining an urgent court order. ICebolethu said it welcomed the ongoing investigation and would continue to co-operate fully with authorities while adhering to all legal processes.

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