A Durban family’s grief turned into shock and confusion when their loved one’s funeral was abruptly interrupted by a hospital request to return the body for a post-mortem examination.
Poonsamy “Dino” Naicker, 53, had passed away on Monday at St Augustine’s Hospital after a seven-week stay. Initially admitted for surgery on a foot wound, he later developed complications, including a burst artery in his eye and a severe infection that led to intensive care.
By Wednesday, family and friends had gathered at the Woodhurst Multicultural Hall for his funeral when a call came from the hospital. Staff informed them that the death certificate could not be finalised due to a dispute among doctors about the cause of death. Although two doctors had signed off on natural causes, a third believed Dino’s passing was “unnatural” and required further investigation.
The family was told the body must be returned before cremation could proceed. Heartbroken but compliant, they transported the coffin back to the hospital, waiting outside the mortuary while arrangements were made. The post-mortem was carried out the next day, and the body was then released for cremation.
Relatives say the ordeal was deeply distressing, especially for Dino’s elderly mother, his wife, and his children. They claim the hospital mishandled the process by releasing the body to the funeral parlour without notifying them about the pending examination.
Hospital representatives said the situation was in line with health regulations, which allow a body to be recalled if doubts about the cause of death arise. They acknowledged the distress caused and said counselling had been offered to the family.