Oom Paul finally buried

2004-08-25 13:46

Bloemfontein - The late Paul Meintjes, whose family was told by a "prophet" that he would rise from the dead, has finally been laid to rest at his hometown, Hertzogville.

Meintjes was buried in a local cemetery on Wednesday during a small ceremony attended by his sister, Hettie Vorster, and her family.

Meintjes's widow, Anna, was not present.

Others present were a small group of police officers, municipal workers and media representatives.

A minister of the Dutch Reformed Church, Johan van der Westhuizen, said a few words at the graveside.

He had asked for permission to conduct a sermon at the funeral from the Hertzogville municipality.

Paupers' burials are not necessarily attended by ministers of religion.

A magistrate granted permission on Tuesday for police to bury Meintjes's body.

This was after police took the corpse away from Meintjies' family on Saturday amid concerns that it posed a health hazard.

The remains were returned to the family earlier last week after being kept at a funeral home since July 1.

Meintjes' widow then kept the corpse beside her bed at her home in Hertzogville.

Meintjes died about eight weeks ago. His family, except for Voster, have hoped fervently for his prophesied resurrection.

- SAPA