Parliament of South Africa
Parliament of South Africa
09/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/20/2024 11:54
Media Statement: Health Committee Learns KZN and EC Have Highest Numbers of Unclaimed Bodies in Mortuaries
Parliament, Friday, 20 September 2024 - The Portfolio Committee on Health heard on Wednesday that KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and the Eastern Cape have a high number of unclaimed and unidentified bodies in state mortuaries.
As of August 2024, a staggering 3,186 bodies remain unclaimed nationwide, with KZN accounting for 1,527 cases, while the Eastern Cape has 526 cases. The committee heard that many of the bodies are unclaimed not due to a lack of identity documents but because relatives have not come forward to identify or retrieve them.
The committee received a briefing from the Department of Health on the status of unclaimed bodies in state mortuaries and a response from the department on the Health Market Inquiry Report.
The department told the committee that it identified various factors contributing to the high number of unclaimed bodies. According to the department, these factors included community-related factors and municipal and provincial-related challenges. Other factors that the department highlighted included delays in collecting DNA samples, insufficient burial sites, and difficulties in identifying foreign nationals.
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.
During engagements, committee members raised several questions about the identification processes for bodies, specifically the efficiency of current DNA collection and testing protocols. The committee questioned the reasons behind the high number of unclaimed and unidentified remains. It sought clarification on how the department plans to address the backlog that hinders the identification of deceased individuals.
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 committee 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.
The department told the committee that it acknowledged the need for a robust tracking system for unidentified bodies and committed to exploring the establishment of a centralised database accessible to families and relevant authorities.
Deputy Minister Dr Joe Phaahla told the committee that in October, the department will provide a comprehensive overview of progress in addressing unclaimed bodies in state mortuaries. He said the report will 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.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, DR SIBONGISENI DHLOMO.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee's Media Officer:
Name: Yoliswa Landu (Ms)
Cell: 081 497 4694
E-mail: [email protected]
As of August 2024, a staggering 3,186 bodies remain unclaimed nationwide, with KZN accounting for 1,527 cases, while the Eastern Cape has 526 cases. The committee heard that many of the bodies are unclaimed not due to a lack of identity documents but because relatives have not come forward to identify or retrieve them.
The committee received a briefing from the Department of Health on the status of unclaimed bodies in state mortuaries and a response from the department on the Health Market Inquiry Report.
The department told the committee that it identified various factors contributing to the high number of unclaimed bodies. According to the department, these factors included community-related factors and municipal and provincial-related challenges. Other factors that the department highlighted included delays in collecting DNA samples, insufficient burial sites, and difficulties in identifying foreign nationals.
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.
During engagements, committee members raised several questions about the identification processes for bodies, specifically the efficiency of current DNA collection and testing protocols. The committee questioned the reasons behind the high number of unclaimed and unidentified remains. It sought clarification on how the department plans to address the backlog that hinders the identification of deceased individuals.
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 committee 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.
The department told the committee that it acknowledged the need for a robust tracking system for unidentified bodies and committed to exploring the establishment of a centralised database accessible to families and relevant authorities.
Deputy Minister Dr Joe Phaahla told the committee that in October, the department will provide a comprehensive overview of progress in addressing unclaimed bodies in state mortuaries. He said the report will 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.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, DR SIBONGISENI DHLOMO.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee's Media Officer:
Name: Yoliswa Landu (Ms)
Cell: 081 497 4694
E-mail: [email protected]