The mortuary was shut following a surprise inspection on Friday (18/10), after a complaint revealed severe concerns, including water leaks posing the risk of electrocution from exposed electrical wires. The inspection also uncovered poor ventilation in the post-mortem room, increasing the risk of exposure to hazardous bioaerosols, and a sewage blockage resulting from post-mortem discharge.

Teboho Thejane, spokesperson for the Department of Employment and Labour, confirmed that several prohibition notices were issued to the Department of Health, citing the failure to mitigate these dangers. The mortuary was ordered to close until the necessary corrective measures are put in place.

In response, Free State Health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi assured the public that all necessary actions have been taken to avert a crisis. “We are responding with dignity and care to ensure the proper handling of the bodies scheduled for autopsies,” said Mvambi.

He further noted that bodies due for dissection would be temporarily transferred to the Welkom Mortuary, with transportation and storage handled by a forensic pathology truck stationed at the Bloemfontein facility.

“The truck has the capacity to store more than 12 bodies overnight, and these bodies will be transported to Welkom for autopsies before being returned to families,” explained Mvambi. He emphasised that despite the closure, there had been no disruptions in services, and all families who required the bodies of their loved ones had received them after autopsies were completed.

The health department has already initiated repairs, including addressing the electrical issues with a contractor, unblocking sewer pipes, and ensuring that mobile air conditioning units are installed to improve ventilation. The Department of Public Works is also assisting with plumbing repairs.

Mvambi added that the department is replacing waste fridges, sourcing quotations, and ensuring that all 18 forensic pathology officers had undergone medical surveillance earlier in September. Additionally, the department is addressing the psychosocial needs of its staff to mitigate any emotional or psychological distress caused by unsafe working conditions.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh