Police in the small town of Clocolan in the Free State are investigating a case of business burglary after unknown suspects broke into a funeral home in April where they stole toxic powders used on corpses.
A spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele says the suspects stole embalming powder which is used to preserve a deceased body and prevent it from smelling and spreading infections to human beings.
He says they also stole a powder used in the exhumation process which contains 97% alcohol.
This powder is used when remains are dug up from graves for further investigation.
Brigadier Makhele says the powders are white with some shaped like gold crystals.
A tin of embalming powder can cost as much as R10 000.
No arrests have been made and anyone who has information on the burglary or the stolen products can contact 10111.
