×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

No surety in life or death

Most consumers take out funeral cover so that if their loved ones die they are assured a dignified burial.

Most consumers take out funeral cover so that if their loved ones die they are assured a dignified burial.

John Mariba, 37, said he bought a funeral policy in 2002 from Martins Funerals in Groblersdal, which also covered his father as an extended member.

When his father died in May Martins Funerals declined to pay the funeral costs.

"They told me they would not give me the money, that I should have let them bury my father. They didn't let me know they had changed their policy," said Mariba.

He said Martins promised they'd give him half the amount because he'd used another undertaker.

Lucas van Vuuren of Martins said he couldn't pay Mariba because he hadn't paid his premiums for June and July.

He only agreed to pay Mariba R4000 after Consumer Line pointed out that his father had died in May and he hadn't been in arrears with his premiums before that time.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.