South Africa is facing a growing crisis of unclaimed bodies in government mortuaries, with over 3,000 remains currently awaiting collection. This alarming situation was revealed during a briefing to the Portfolio Committee on Health in parliament on Wednesday.

KwaZulu-Natal province reported the highest number of unclaimed bodies, followed by the Eastern Cape.
Dr Thakadu Mamashela, forensic pathologist and Limpopo Chairperson of the National Forensic Pathology Services Committee, explained that these bodies are in forensic pathology services mortuaries. These facilities handle medico-legal investigations for unnatural deaths, including road accidents, interpersonal violence, and homicides.

Dr Mamashela highlighted a key issue: when missing persons are not reported by families or communities, it hampers police investigations. This often leaves authorities unable to connect unidentified bodies with missing person reports.

The situation underscores the challenges facing South Africa’s forensic services and the need for improved reporting and identification processes for missing persons.