The Democratic Alliance Urges Government to Address The Crisis of Unclaimed Bodies Piling Up in South African Morgues.
In a distressing revelation, it has come to light that South African morgues are grappling with a staggering backlog of unclaimed bodies, some dating as far back as 2017. The Democratic Alliance, a prominent political party in the country, is now calling on the government to urgently address this critical issue.
In an exclusive interview with Madeleine Hicklin, a representative of the Democratic Alliance, the extent of this crisis was illuminated. Hicklin expressed deep concern over the hundreds of bodies languishing in mortuaries across the nation, left unclaimed and unidentified, with grieving families often unaware of their loved ones’ fate.
“The situation is dire,” Hicklin declared. “We cannot fathom bodies lying unclaimed for years in mortuaries. Families are left in the dark about the whereabouts of their missing relatives, and there’s a critical lack of clarity regarding this issue.”
The Enigma of Unclaimed Bodies
One of the primary challenges lies in the state’s inability to identify these deceased individuals. Hicklin revealed that shockingly, many bodies remain anonymous, with no records of their identities or origins. This dire situation has prompted calls for improved identification methods, including the use of biometrics, such as fingerprints and DNA. However, the overwhelming backlog in DNA testing in South Africa has hindered progress in this area.
“Without proper identification, these bodies become tragic mysteries,” Hicklin explained. “Families deserve closure, and the government must take swift action to resolve this issue.”
A Looming Tragedy: The Albert St. Fire
Hicklin also shed light on a tragic incident involving the Albert St. fire in Marshalltown, where 77 lives were lost. Alarmingly, only 30 of the bodies could be positively identified, leaving 44 individuals unaccounted for due to the severity of their burns or lack of claimants. The story of this disaster is emblematic of the broader crisis facing the country’s mortuaries.
“One cannot overstate the anguish of families unable to identify their loved ones in such a tragedy,” Hicklin noted. “It is a stark reminder of the urgent need for better identification and record-keeping processes.”
Extortion and Corruption: A Disturbing Trend
One pressing concern is the alleged extortion of grieving families, who are reportedly being coerced into paying for autopsies and the collection of their loved ones’ remains. Hicklin vehemently condemned such illicit practices, emphasizing that forensic pathology services should be provided at no cost by relevant government departments.
“These attempts are highly corrupt and illegal,” Hicklin stated firmly. “Anyone attempting to exploit grieving families in this manner should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Such practices erode trust in our institutions and further compound the suffering of those already in distress.”
The Challenge of Load Shedding At Morgues
As South Africa grapples with ongoing issues, including power outages, Hicklin expressed concern over how mortuaries are managing during load shedding, when electricity is unavailable. With limited access to generators and fuel, mortuaries resort to packing bodies with ice to preserve them, which is far from an ideal solution.
Bodies are being packed with bags of ice to preserve them
Hicklin concluded by urging the government to equip mortuaries with reliable generators and ensure a consistent power supply to prevent further challenges in maintaining the necessary cold storage conditions for the deceased.
“The government must address the load shedding crisis, as it affects not only our daily lives but also the dignity of the deceased,” Hicklin emphasized. “It’s imperative that we take swift action to rectify this unsettling situation.”
A Call to Confront the Humanitarian Crisis
As the nation grapples with the distressing backlog of unclaimed bodies in morgues, the DA’s call for urgent government intervention highlights the need to confront this humanitarian crisis and provide closure to grieving families across the country.
In the coming weeks, the nation will be watching closely to see how the government responds to this urgent call for action. The fate of thousands of unclaimed bodies and the well-being of their grieving families hang in the balance, demanding immediate and compassionate resolution.
