Gauteng investigates alleged sale of corpses MyZA

Gauteng Health MEC Hope Papo says an investigation has been instituted against the officials implicated in allegations of selling corpses at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.

This follows claims that a body was sold to an undertaker for R800 and officials were in possession of undertaker stamps without permission.

“The department takes such allegations in a serious light and will not hesitate to take harsh measures against any employee who is found guilty of misconduct.

“The matter was referred to Gauteng Audit Services for forensic audit. Upon completion of the forensic audit, management will act appropriately as per the recommendations of the forensic audit. If the report deems it necessary to press criminal charges against any staff member, such action will be undertaken,” said Papo.

It is also alleged that another body was released from the hospital’s mortuary to a funeral undertaker without the family’s consent. The matter on the alleged sale of the body is currently under investigation.

All three officials who are implicated in this case have been relieved of their duties and transferred to different units as a precautionary measure.

A preliminary investigation was conducted by the hospital on the matter about the body that was released without permission, and a report – which noted possible irregularities within the mortuary – was forwarded to the Chief Directorate: Risk Management. A comprehensive forensic review into the matter has been requested. – SAnews.gov.za