Unclaimed bodies need collection
The majority of the unclaimed bodies at Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital are newborn and three-day-old babies. Families are urged to collect their bodies and give their loved ones a dignified send-off.
The Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital is urgently calling on families and relatives of eight deceased individuals to collect the unclaimed bodies of their loved ones.
Seven of the eight people passed away between August 3 and 15, while one died on June 25.
According to the TMRH communication assistant director, Joseph Monaheng, they informed some families telephonically and verbally. Others either do not answer calls or their phones go to voice mail.
They encourage friends and community members to assist by sharing the information with the families.
• A 43-year-old Lungile Vilakazi from 44 Ndlazi Section, Katlehong, died on August 15. Ward 18 staff members informed the police telephonically.
• A newborn baby boy of Olana Gayi from 1 Roodekop Street Rondebult, passed away on June 25. His mother is not answering calls.
• The baby of Makholokotso Masangane from 1121 Ext 2, Phukuphi Street, Thokoza who passed away a day after birth on August 3. Gayi was informed telephonically on the same day.
• A three-day-old baby of Nompumelelo Ndlovu from 2648 Umbombayi Street Vosloorus died on August 7.
According to Monaheng, they informed the mother verbally, but she never returned to claim the child’s remains.
• The SAPS were notified of the passing of Zandile Mthembu’s three-day-old baby boy from 192 Galangula Street.
• Johanne Madiba’s baby passed away a day after birth on August 3. Madiba was verbally informed, however, she did not collect the body.
Monaheng noted that on September 1, they arranged transport to trace the mother at the provided address 5042 Extension 4, Palm Ridge, only to be told that the address was wrong.
• A newborn baby of Mary Mapuleng from 748 Ramaphosa Section, Villaliza died on August 9. Mapuleng was notified verbally on September 1, and upon visiting the address, the hospital officials discovered it was the wrong address.
• A baby of Witness Mathebula of 24 Chibuto Street Section, Vosloorus, died on August 12. The contact details provided by Mathebula are on voice mail and the address is incorrect.
It urged family members of the listed individuals to visit the Germiston Mortuary at 10 Long Street Germiston to collect the bodies.
Anyone with information that could help the hospital trace the deceased’s family, relatives or friends can call the hospital mortuary manager, Buthelezi, on 011 891 7346 or 076 431 9440.
