According to IOL, the African Transformation Movement (ATM) has voiced serious concerns following the revelation that over 3,000 unclaimed and unidentified bodies are currently held in government mortuaries across South Africa. Leading the crisis is KwaZulu-Natal, which accounts for more than 1,500 cases, followed by the Eastern Cape with over 500 unclaimed bodies.
Dr. Sibongiseni Dhlomo, Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Health, disclosed that a total of 3,186 bodies have yet to be claimed by family members. Speaking on the issue, Dhlomo highlighted the disturbing scale of the crisis:
“As of August 2024, 3,186 bodies remain unclaimed nationwide, with KwaZulu-Natal accounting for 1,527 cases, while the Eastern Cape has 526,” he said during a committee briefing.
The committee reviewed a report from the Department of Health that outlined the numerous challenges leading to this situation. Relatives often fail to come forward to identify the deceased, leaving the bodies languishing in government mortuaries. The Department of Health attributed this growing crisis to a range of factors, including community-related issues, municipal challenges, and a backlog in DNA processing, which has exacerbated delays in identifying the deceased.
Committee members expressed alarm not only about the humanitarian aspect of unclaimed bodies but also about the public health risks associated with prolonged storage in overcrowded mortuaries. There was also concern over the safety of workers handling the unclaimed remains in government facilities. Some members highlighted the need for increased transparency, calling for an investigation into allegations of corruption at certain mortuaries, where families have reportedly been charged excessive fees to claim their loved ones’ bodies.
Moreover, questions were raised regarding the efficiency of DNA sample collection and testing protocols. The backlog in forensic laboratories has resulted in significant delays, further hindering the identification of deceased individuals. Several committee members urged for clarification on the steps being taken to streamline DNA testing and expedite the identification process.
Dhlomo noted that the issue is further complicated by the shortage of burial sites in certain regions, particularly within municipalities that are already overburdened. “Coordination between local municipalities and private mortuaries could help address burial site shortages,” Dhlomo suggested. The committee also emphasised the importance of tracking systems to assist families searching for missing loved ones, calling for a centralised database to improve communication between government entities and the public.
In response, the Department of Health announced that it had initiated the formation of a task team aimed at improving accountability and transparency in managing unclaimed bodies. Acknowledging the severe backlogs at forensic laboratories, the department indicated that it is working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to expedite DNA testing and improve resource allocation.
“The department is engaging with provincial governments and municipalities to develop a comprehensive plan to address the shortage of burial sites, including partnerships with private cemeteries and exploring alternative burial methods,” Dhlomo stated. The department also recognised the urgent need for a robust tracking system and committed to exploring the development of a centralised database accessible to both families and authorities.
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Joe Phaahla, further assured the committee that a progress report would be delivered in October. This report is expected to provide updates on the newly established National Forensic Pathology Service Committee, the progress of DNA testing, and efforts to streamline the identification of deceased individuals.
The ATM expressed grave concern over the statistics shared by the committee, calling it a national crisis. National spokesperson Zama Ntshona said, “The revelation that over 3,186 bodies remain unclaimed across the nation, with KwaZulu-Natal alone accounting for 1,527 cases, is an indictment of the current systems in place for the identification and respectful handling of deceased individuals.”
Ntshona emphasised that these unclaimed bodies represent both a humanitarian disaster and a growing public health risk. The ATM is urging the government to adopt a comprehensive approach to resolve the issue, which would include leveraging advanced identification technologies and improving communication strategies with affected communities.
“The factors contributing to this situation, as identified by the Department of Health — including community-related issues, municipal challenges, and delays in DNA processing — must be addressed comprehensively,” Ntshona added.
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