A burial at Nieuwedrift Cemetery in Paarl has triggered a police investigation after municipal workers reportedly uncovered irregularities involving a coffin and another body.
Daily Voice reports that the incident came to light on Thursday, 17 September 2026, when Drakenstein Municipality staff became concerned about discrepancies in the paperwork and identification tags linked to a coffin.
According to reports, workers allegedly discovered another body beneath the coffin in a double-depth grave, along with a bag containing what was described as human remains.
The body was reportedly linked to a person who died in April and had allegedly not been properly recorded for burial. The coffin was also reportedly found with fresh blood stains.
Drakenstein Municipality confirmed to the Cape Town Etc that potential irregularities at the cemetery were reported to it on Thursday.
The municipality said it carried out an initial investigation before immediately referring the matter to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The area was subsequently secured, while health and safety measures were put in place. Municipal employees who first encountered the situation were also supported.
‘All actions were carried out in line with established protocols,’ the municipality said, adding that SAPS now has full oversight of the investigation.
Police have confirmed that they received a complaint relating to alleged misconduct by an undertaker at a cemetery in Paarl.
Police spokesperson Captain F.C. Van Wyk said an inquiry had been opened and that investigations were continuing.
Further information will only be released once details have been verified and the investigation progresses, police said.
At this stage, the circumstances surrounding the alleged burial irregularities remain under investigation, Van Wyk said.
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