'Bribes for postmortems' - probe launched into Germiston mortuary over extortion claims

The Gauteng Department of Health is investigating allegations of extortion and corruption at the Germiston Forensic Pathology Service facility, where officials are accused of demanding money to expedite postmortems.

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The Gauteng Health Department has launched an investigation into allegations of extortion and corruption at the Germiston Forensic Pathology Service facility following claims that officials are demanding money from grieving families to speed up postmortem examinations.

The allegations surfaced in a social media post by a member of the public and have since gained widespread attention, prompting the department to act.

The department said it viewed the claims with "utmost seriousness" and had initiated a probe into the matter.

"The Gauteng Department of Health notes with grave concern allegations of extortion at the Germiston Forensic Pathology Service facility, following a social media post by a member of the public which is currently circulating," the department said.

"It is also alleged that some officials demand money to expedite postmortems."

Services provided free of charge

The department stressed that all forensic pathology services are provided at no cost to the public and warned that no official is authorised to request or accept payment for services.

"Accordingly, we wish to reiterate that all Forensic Pathology Services, including DNA analysis, postmortem examinations and storage of bodies, are rendered free of charge," the statement said.

The department further emphasised that members of the public should never be asked to pay for services that they are legally entitled to receive.

"Forensic Pathology Services are not for sale, and no member of the public should pay an official to receive a service to which they are entitled," the department said.

"Furthermore, no official has the right to demand payment from a member of the public after rendering a service."

Victims urged to come forward

Health authorities have appealed to anyone who was a victim of extortion at the facility to report the matter so that appropriate action can be taken.

"We urge members of the public who have fallen victim to extortion to come forward so that the department can follow due processes," the department said.

Complaints can be reported to the facility manager or the department's Quality Assurance Unit through its dedicated email, SMS and 24-hour customer care channels.

Zero tolerance for corruption

The department reiterated its commitment to ethical conduct and accountability within the public health sector, warning that any official found guilty of corruption would face consequences.

"In addition, we wish to assure the public that no form of corruption will be tolerated. All officials are expected to conduct themselves ethically and to serve with integrity," the department said.

The outcome of the investigation is expected to determine whether disciplinary or criminal action will be taken against any officials implicated in the allegations.

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