Poor online checkin updates

I couldn't bury my loved one because I was told that I'm late, I did everything online even booked seats but their system only show the seat yet checkin was not completed. I was suppose to fly from JHB to ELS then back to JHB. I got to the airport at 10:45 for a flight that was boarding at 11:40. I confirmed my flights the day before but when I got to the front I was told that the checkin is closed and the only flight I could take was the next morning or I will forfeit all four tickets.No refund or vouchers could be offered all 4 tickets were paid for nothing.