'Competing' for a grave

2003-09-30 21:58

Hannatjie van der Merwe

Barkly West - As they were digging a grave for their mother in an allotted plot, Andries Muller and his family received a nasty surprise when they realised that the grave was already occupied.

Muller said he was concerned that the same could happen to other people. "It is upsetting when someone close to you dies and you have to 'compete' for a grave," he said.

The family decided to dig the grave for Sannie Muller, 84, themselves to save money.

They were shown the plot in the municipal cemetery, but became suspicious when the digging was far easier than they had anticipated, due to the loose soil.

They later discovered an old coffin in the grave. The family was told to cover the coffin again and bury Mrs Muller on top of it.

Muller said they did not accept this offer and insisted on another grave.

Mrs Muller was laid to rest - on her own - on Monday.

- Volksblad