SOUTH Africa’s mortuaries are in a disastrous state as thousands of bodies have not been claimed.
The Portfolio Committee on Health last week revealed that there were 3 186 unclaimed bodies in the country’s mortuaries, with 1 527 from Kwazulu-Natal. The Eastern Cape has 526.
The committee’s media officer Yoliswa Landu said many of the bodies were unclaimed because relatives had not come forward to identify or retrieve them.
The overcrowding was worsened by delays in collecting DNA samples, insufficient burial sites and difficulties in identifying foreign nationals.
Other contributing factors included community-related factors and municipal and provincial challenges.
“Committee members expressed concern over the statistics and the implications of unclaimed bodies for public health and the safety of personnel at the state mortuaries.
“Some committee members stressed the need for transparency regarding investigations into alleged corruption in mortuaries, where families were reportedly charged excessive fees to claim bodies,” she said.
A body is considered unclaimed if family members do not come forward to identify it within seven days of death.
DNA and backlogs have in the last few years been a constant source of criticism in the media, giving the public much cause for concern. The criticisms highlighted the shortcomings of forensic science laboratories.
Former Police Minister Bheki Cele and his management in 2021 admitted to the Parliament Police Portfolio Committee that there was a serious backlog in DNA test results.
The backlog has negatively affected the work of the police, courts, victims of crime, and their relatives, as DNA evidence plays a vital role in many criminal cases.
In 2022 it was reported that families in Mpumalanga approached the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa), the SA Human Rights Commission and the South African Council of Churches to intervene and help regarding the remains of their family members who have been in the government mortuary for a long time.
The families said the SAPS had been refusing to release the remains on the grounds that they had been waiting for the results of the DNA.
Landu said committee members raised several questions about the identification processes for bodies, specifically the efficiency of the current DNA collection and testing protocols during the engagements.
The committee also questioned the reasons behind the high number of unclaimed and unidentified bodies.
“It sought clarification on how the Department (of Health) plans to address the backlog that hinders the identification of deceased individuals,” Landu said.
Department of Health spokesperson Foster Mohale did not respond to the questions from this paper.
Deputy Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla told the committee that in October, the department would provide a comprehensive overview of progress in addressing unclaimed bodies in state mortuaries.
He said the report would include detailed information on actions taken by the newly established National Forensic Pathology Service Committee, updates on the backlog of DNA testing, and efforts to streamline identification processes.
However, some committee members expressed apprehension about the lack of follow-up on identified bodies, and suggested establishing a tracking system for families of missing persons to facilitate communication and retrieval of remains.
Some members called for better coordination among local municipalities to address burial site shortages and recommended that private mortuaries share best practices for managing unclaimed bodies.
In response, the department informed the committee that it started efforts to establish a task team to ensure accountability and transparency in managing unclaimed bodies.
It confirmed that a backlog at forensic labs currently hinders DNA sample processing. It told the committee that efforts are underway to expedite testing through enhanced collaboration with the South African Police Service and improved resource allocation.
The department said it is also engaging with provincial governments and municipalities to develop a comprehensive plan to address the shortage of burial sites, including exploring partnerships with private cemeteries and considering alternative burial methods.
African Transformation Movement (ATM) spokesperson Zama Ntshona said the unclaimed bodies represent not only a humanitarian crisis but also a public health concern that necessitates urgent action.
He said the challenges must be addressed comprehensively.
Ntshona said there was a need for the implementation of advanced identification methods such as:
- DNA Profiling:
- Biometric Scanning:
- Fingerprint Analysis:
He further said that a tracking system that allows families of missing persons to receive updates on the status of their loved ones and the processes involved in identifying unclaimed bodies should be established. He said the system should prioritise communication and support to families during this difficult time.