Over 900 Unclaimed Bodies in KwaZulu-Natal Mortuaries Spark Urgent Public Appeal

KwaZulu-Natal’s state mortuaries are facing a growing crisis, with more than 900 unclaimed bodies currently stored in forensic facilities—some dating as far back as 2017. This mounting backlog has prompted the KwaZulu-Natal Health Portfolio Committee to issue an urgent plea for residents to report missing persons to the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Oversight Visits Reveal Backlog

Following recent oversight visits, committee chairperson Dr. Imran Keeka confirmed that mortuaries across the province are severely strained by the accumulation of unclaimed bodies.

“At this stage, there are approximately 900 bodies still in our facilities, some going as far back as 2017. We repeat our call and encourage families to report their missing family members to the SAPS. This will significantly assist in reducing the growing backlog of unidentified bodies at state mortuaries and may work towards families finding closure,” Keeka said.

The committee has warned that the lack of space in state mortuaries is putting immense pressure on forensic services, delaying investigations and creating an urgent need for action.

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SAPS and Mortuary Collaboration

The South African Police Service works closely with forensic facilities to trace families of the deceased. However, when relatives fail to report missing persons, the identification process stalls, leaving hundreds of bodies unclaimed.

Policies currently allow for pauper burials within 21 days, subject to available space and funding, but the committee stressed that this should not become the norm when families can still be traced.

National Context: Thousands of Pauper Burials

The problem extends beyond KwaZulu-Natal. According to Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, South Africa recorded 3,819 pauper burials between April 2024 and April 2025. While provinces like Limpopo, North West, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape have made progress in reducing unclaimed body numbers, KZN remains one of the hardest hit.

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Call to Action: Families Urged to Report Missing Persons

The committee is appealing to communities across KwaZulu-Natal to assist by reporting missing loved ones to their nearest police station. This collaborative effort could ease the pressure on forensic facilities while bringing closure to grieving families.

“This crisis cannot be resolved by government alone. We need families and communities to come forward. Every missing persons report helps us reconnect the deceased with their loved ones and restores dignity in death,” Keeka added.

Conclusion

With over 900 unclaimed bodies in KwaZulu-Natal mortuaries, the call for public cooperation has never been more urgent. Reporting missing persons is not only a step toward finding closure but also a crucial measure to relieve overcrowded forensic facilities and ensure dignity for the deceased.