Is your loved one missing?
There are more than 900 unclaimed bodies in KwaZulu-Natal mortuaries, some dating back to 2017.
Image: Bongani Mbatha/ Independent Newspapers File
THE KwaZulu-Natal Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health is urging residents to report missing family members to their nearest South African Police Service (SAPS) station.
The call follows recent oversight visits to state forensic facilities across the province, where the committee found a troubling backlog of approximately 900 unclaimed and unidentified bodies, some of which have been held in mortuaries since 2017.
Dr Imraan Keeka, the Chairperson of the KZN Legislature Health Portfolio committee said the situation presented not only a public health concern but also an emotional one, as many families might still be searching for loved ones who have already died and remain unidentified.
State mortuaries rely on SAPS missing persons reports to assist in identifying unknown deceased individuals. Without these reports, tracing and confirming identities becomes increasingly difficult, and bodies remain in storage far beyond the allowed timeframes.
"While current policy allows for the burial of unclaimed bodies after 21 days, depending on available burial space and resources, many bodies remain unburied due to identification delays, contributing to severe overcrowding at forensic facilities.
"The committee is deeply concerned about the strain this is placing on state mortuaries and related health services. We therefore reiterate our call for families to report any missing relatives to SAPS, as this is the most direct way to assist in the identification process.
The action would help relieve pressure on the forensic system and give long-awaited answers to families and restore dignity to those who have passed on," said Keeka.