Mahikeng municipality gives eight unclaimed, unidentified people a dignified burial

The Mahikeng Local Municipality, in collaboration with the North West Department of Health, South African Police Service (SAPS) and Department of Home Affairs, has conducted a dignified burial for eight unclaimed and unidentified people.

The burial took place on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, after attempts to trace the deceased persons’ next of kin were unsuccessful.

According to the municipality, the burials were facilitated by its Community Services Directorate in accordance with relevant legislation, municipal bylaws and standard operating procedures.

The municipality said efforts to identify the deceased and locate their families were made through SAPS, the Department of Health and the Department of Home Affairs, but yielded no results.

“All eight burials were conducted with dignity, respect, and in line with human rights prescripts,” the municipality said.

The municipality said details of the graves, together with SAPS reference numbers, had been recorded in its official Indigent Burial Register, which is kept by the Community Services Directorate.

It appealed to members of the public who may have information about missing people to come forward and contact the relevant authorities.

The municipality said the process was aimed at ensuring that people who die without identified relatives or family members are still treated with dignity and respect.

“May their souls rest in peace,” the municipality said.