FOLLOWING allegations that caused local headlines this week, the company responsible has issued a statement:
Icebolethu Group is aware of the current concerns and public discourse relating to the funeral service of the late Dr T.E. Nkonyane, President of the Enyonini Mission Church in Newcastle. As a company entrusted with serving bereaved families, we take any matter involving our funeral operations seriously and are committed to conducting ourselves with professionalism, integrity, and respect for the law at all times.
We wish to state that, Icebolethu carried this burial like any other dignified burial we handle. We adhered to all our processes and procedures according to our service standards and the industry’s legal framework.
We would like to state the following:
The body is not missing. The family buried the body as per their preference.
There were no bricks inside the casket, those claims are not true.
We request the public to refrain from spreading false claims, they are tarnishing the legacy of the late church leader, the family and the church.
Icebolethu Group acknowledges and respects the family’s beliefs, customs, and cultural practices.
As per procedure and family’s request, Icebolethu delivered the deceased remains on Friday, 5 June 2026, to the family home.
On Saturday, 6 June 2026, Icebolethu carried on with the normal funeral proceedings.
During the funeral service, Icebolethu was served with a court order and complied.
Throughout the process, Icebolethu’s priority was to remain compliant with legal directives, preservation of the dignity of the deceased, and the safety and well-being of all affected parties.
As the matter is subject to further investigation and legal processes, it would be inappropriate for the company to comment on specific allegations or details currently circulating on various platforms. We wish to assure our clients, stakeholders, and the broader public that Icebolethu remains committed to transparency, accountability, and adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
We respectfully request that members of the public allow the relevant authorities and processes to take their course and avoid speculation that may prejudice ongoing proceedings or cause unnecessary distress. We also request that the families be given the space and support to resolve their differences.
