An Mpumalanga widow whose death claim was deposited into the wrong bank account has finally received her money.

An Mpumalanga widow whose death claim was deposited into the wrong bank account has finally received her money.

Anges Mashile's late husband was a teacher and belonged to the Professional Educators Union (PEU).

He contributed a monthly sum to a burial scheme, which was to pay out R15000 upon his death, Mashile said.

The agreement was that the union would pay out the death claim within 24 hours of his dying to allow the bereaved family to bury their loved one, she said.

Her husband died in July this year and she notified his union, but the money never arrived.

"They paid the money into the incorrect bank account, though I had supplied them with my correct details and account number," said the mother of one.

"When the union tried to retrieve the money from the incorrect account, they were referred to the wrongful beneficiary, Pauline Chivalo.

"My bank only gave us the cell number of the recipient, who promised to reverse the funds.

"But she never did and the union told me there was nothing they could do if Chivalo refused to pay it back.

"My relatives and neighbours made contributions and we were able to bury my husband," Mashile said.

Consumer Line spoke to Chivalo, who said she had also been expecting a payout from her dead husband's insurance company when the deposit was made into her account.

Chivalo said she had already used Mashile's money when PEU demanded it back from her.

She has since refunded Mashile her money and faxed proof of payment.