© Shoreline Funerals (Pty) Ltd. Reg. 2012/192680/07
Administrative issues and DOCUMENTATION requirements are usually the next major concern for families.
A 'Notice of Death' (i.e. BI1663 form) is the main document needed. This is supplied by the doctor or, in the case of a state mortuary situation, the pathologist. It is the Undertaker’s duty to collect this form from the doctor when ready. Certain sections need to be finalised by the family and Undertaker before being taken to a local office of The Department of Home Affairs for registration. Home Affairs will then issue the abridged death certificate to the Undertaker who will pass it on to the family.
The original Identity Document of the deceased must be supplied to the funeral company as soon as possible. Copies will be made and the cancelled ID returned to the family. For administrative purposes the Undertaker will also need a copy a family member's ID. This family member will sign all relevant documents. This should preferably be the 'Nearest Relative' but another family member, family friend/representative or Executor can also fulfil this role.
In some cases (see above) paramedics will be required to supply a 'Declaration of Death' particularly when no other medical professional is present at the time of death. Under certain circumstances when death occurs outside of a hospital/hospice/retirement home situation the South African Police Services (SAPS) will also need to provide families with an 'SAP180' form before the deceased is released to the Undertaker.
Other important documents such as a 'B Form' (in the case of a cremation) and a 'Burial Order' (supplied by an Undertaker) will be required. The acquisition and use of these documents are within the funeral company’s area of expertise.
