A PRACTICAL GUIDE ON WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE DIES IN YOUR HOME

Mike Bolhuis, Specialist Investigators into Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes press release extracts 

The sudden passing of a loved one at home is a profoundly distressing experience, whether from natural causes or as the result of a crime. In these overwhelming moments, it is necessary to know the correct procedures that one must follow to protect the dignity of the deceased person, and to ensure that legal and practical matters are appropriately handled.

WHEN THE DEATH OCCURS AS A RESULT OF NATURAL CAUSES

• When someone passes away in your home owing to natural causes, such as a heart attack or stroke, it is most important to remain calm and take the following steps:
  Do not move the body. 
  The position and condition of the deceased must remain undisturbed until a professional confirms the death.
  Contact a medical professional immediately.
  - If the deceased had a regular family doctor or was under palliative or hospice care, contact them directly.
  - Alternatively, call emergency medical services such as Netcare 911 (082 911), ER24 (084 124), or the Government EMS (10177).
• The attending doctor, nurse, or paramedic will examine the body and, if no foul play is suspected, will officially certify the death and issue a Notification of Death (BI-1663 form).
• Once the death has been certified, you may contact a registered funeral parlour to collect the body of the deceased.
• The funeral home will assist with registering the death at Home Affairs should you request this service.
• If no doctor or paramedic is available to confirm the death, the SAPS may have to be called to attend the scene.

WHEN THE DEATH IS A RESULT OF A CRIME

• When you suspect that a crime (robbery, assault, gender-based violence (GBV), or any other unnatural cause) caused the death, the situation must be handled with extra care to preserve evidence for the investigation.
  Do not move the body or touch anything at the scene.
  The positioning of the body and surrounding objects can provide vital evidence to law enforcement.
  Call the South African Police Service (SAPS) immediately by dialling 10111, or contact your nearest police station directly.
• You may also contact Mr. Mike Bolhuis of SSS for advice and help with the investigation.
• Take photos and video footage of the crime scene as you found it.
  If it is safe and before police arrive, take photos or videos from a distance without disturbing the evidence.
  Focus on documenting:
  - Overall scene layout.
  - Visible injuries.
  - Suspicious vehicles or people.
  - Notable damage, blood, or weapons.
  - License plates or belongings nearby.
  Always hand these over to the police once they arrive - it may assist if evidence gets tampered with or misplaced.
  Never post crime scene photographs on social media. 
  - It is unethical and could prejudice an investigation.
•  What Not to Do:
  Do not move or cover the body.
  Do not clean blood or touch items.
  Do not allow untrained people to interfere or come near the body.
  Do not confront suspects if they are still nearby.
  Do not share images or rumours online.
• Evidence tampering or mishandling a crime scene will compromise justice.
• Be calm, methodical, and respectful of the scene while protecting your own.
• Once the police arrive, they will:
  Secure the crime scene.
  Conduct an initial investigation.
  Call the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) unit.
  Arrange for the government mortuary service to collect the body for a post-mortem examination.
• The police will also open an inquest docket if required and may take statements from witnesses or family members present.
• It is advisable to contact Victim Empowerment Services (VES) through the SAPS.
• These trained counsellors offer emotional support to family and friends in the aftermath of traumatic events.

 IMMEDIATE PRACTICAL STEPS

• Inform close family members and next-of-kin of the death as soon as possible.
• Secure the property and personal belongings, ensure valuables are safe, and only once cleared by police in the case of a crime.
• Keep the deceased’s ID document, medical notes, and next-of-kin contact details readily available for officials.
• Record everyone entering or leaving the property for security and administrative reasons.

 LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FOLLOW-UP

After the death is certified:

• Register the death with the Department of Home Affairs using the BI-1663 form and the deceased’s ID.
• The death certificate will be essential for funeral arrangements, estate matters, and notifying institutions.
• Notify life insurers, the deceased’s employer, medical aid providers, and financial institutions.
• If the deceased received a pension, inform the relevant fund to prevent fraud.

 RESPECT RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL PRACTICES

• While it is essential to follow legal and investigative procedures first, South Africa’s rich cultural and religious diversity must be acknowledged.
• Ensure the wishes of the deceased and their family are respected regarding funeral rites, mourning customs, and spiritual practices - this can only happen once the authorities have formally released the body.