Gauteng Health Department Probes Claims Officials Demand Money to Speed Up Postmortems, SA Outraged
- The Gauteng Health Department launched an investigation after allegations of bribery at the Germiston Forensic Pathology Service
- Officials also urged victims of extortion at the facility to come forward, amid claims that surfaced on social media
- South Africans weighed in on the claims and the investigation, sharing frustration that such things happened even with dead people
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG - The Gauteng Department of Health has opened a formal investigation into allegations that officials at the Germiston Forensic Pathology Service demanded payment from bereaved families in exchange for expediting postmortem examinations.
The matter came to the department's attention through a social media post by a member of the public. The department said it viewed the allegations with "utmost seriousness" and confirmed that a probe had been initiated.
"The Gauteng Department of Health notes with grave concern allegations of extortion at the Germiston Forensic Pathology Service facility," the department said in a statement.
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"It is also alleged that some officials demand money to expedite postmortems."
Forensic services are free of charge
The department also used the opportunity to remind the public that every forensic pathology service offered by the state carries no cost. This includes postmortem examinations, DNA analysis, and the storage of bodies.
"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. Furthermore, no official has the right to demand payment from a member of the public after rendering a service," the department stated.
The department also appealed directly to any individuals who may have been targeted at the facility to report the matter through official channels.
How did South Africans react?
The allegations drew sharp reactions on social media, with users expressing outrage that corruption had allegedly extended to interactions with grieving families.
Sitshela SabaKwena wrote:
"In South Africa, what can't you pay a bribe for?"
Juanita Marx commented:
"They are corrupt even with dead people."
Boetshepo Fankomo warned:
"One day we are going to pay for oxygen."
Felix Mpho Mac Donald wrote:
"What has gone into us, mara? South Africa needs a real cleansing from top to bottom."
Pappa Blessing exclaimed:
"Greed coupled with impunity."
Other stories about bribery in South Africa
- A South African man broke down why police officers take bribes, sparking a debate on TikTok in the process.
- Six South African referees were suspended by SAFA over bribery allegations and misconduct.
- A KZN traffic officer was filmed at a roadside stop after allegedly refusing a bribe from a motorist.
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Source: Briefly News
