Immediate guidance
When someone passes away
Choose the circumstances that best match. If you are uncertain, call GBA before making further arrangements.
The procedure differs between natural and unnatural death. Urgent information remains directly accessible.
Natural death in hospital
Contact GBA. If the hospital has no storage facility, the appointed funeral director must collect the deceased from the ward.
Contact GBA and inform the funeral director if cremation is intended.
Hospital staff arrange the BI-1663 Notice of Death for collection by the funeral director.
Do not leave without collecting the deceased’s personal belongings.
GBA and the funeral director coordinate collection and the required documentation.
Natural death at home or a nursing home
During working hours, contact the doctor who last treated the deceased and the paramedics for a declaration of death. At night, contact the paramedics first.
Contact the treating doctor, paramedics and GBA. Nursing-home staff will liaise with the doctor.
The doctor generally needs the declaration of death to complete the BI-1663.
Do not arrange removal before the death has been declared.
GBA guides the family after the required medical declaration.
Unexpected natural death
Contact paramedics to certify the death and issue a declaration of death.
Contact paramedics first, then GBA.
Keep the declaration of death available.
Do not assume an unexpected death follows the same process as an expected death.
GBA advises the family on the applicable procedure.
Death away from home or abroad
Contact GBA before making transport arrangements.
Contact GBA so the necessary arrangements can be coordinated.
Requirements depend on the location and circumstances.
Do not commit to transport or repatriation before receiving guidance.
GBA assists with the necessary arrangements.
Unnatural death in hospital or a nursing home
Contact GBA. Staff will contact SAPS and Forensic Pathology Services.
Contact GBA; staff, SAPS and Forensic Pathology Services manage the official process.
Take the deceased’s ID and the identifying person’s ID.
Do not attend identification alone if support is available.
A post-mortem and identification take place before release to the funeral director.
Unnatural death at home
Contact SAPS. An officer will take statements and liaise with Forensic Pathology Services.
Contact SAPS first, then the appointed funeral parlour.
Take both identity documents for identification.
Do not tamper with forensic evidence at the scene.
A post-mortem and identification take place before release.