When a corpse is discovered police go through an extensive process to identify the victim while simultaneously investigating the case when foul play is suspected.
In some cases, it can take a long time to identify a corpse if there are no discernable leads, if the deceased cannot be found on government records, or be identified by close friends or family.
A corpse that was found in Observatory Park in September has still not been identified, even though the deceased died of natural causes.
According to Yeoville Police Station spokesperson Captain Sifiso Mabizela, the following procedure is followed:
- Paramedics are called in to verify if the person is dead or alive
- The local crime records centre is summoned to take photos and possible DNA samples found at the scene for further investigation
- The state mortuary is summoned to remove the corpse and transport it to the government mortuary, where a pathologist will examine the body and perform a post-mortem to determine the cause of death
- The investigating officer will also take the deceased’s fingerprints when he or she cannot be identified.
- The forensics department at the criminal record centre can trace information through criminal records or home affairs
- If the forensic experts cannot identify the deceased, the state will bury the body as a pauper. If the deceased is identified, the family will be notified
- The investigating officer will then send the docket to an inquest court where the court can decide if foul play was involved.
Also read: UPDATE: Mysterious body still not identified
Mabizela added that the post-mortem report can take much longer if toxicology or blood samples are needed to establish the cause of death, or if additional DNA samples have to be analysed.
Details: 011 487 5900.
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