Central SA
North West Health to dig up 11 bodies for DNA testing─── LUCKY NKUYANE 08:45 Thu, 25 May 2023
The North West Health Department is set to exhume 11 bodies buried as unknown people, to try and identify a missing deceased patient through DNA tests.
The missing person is believed to be among the 11 bodies which were buried years ago in unmarked graves in Boikhutso near Lichtenburg. The departmental spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane, tells OFM News they have an indication that the missing person was buried with items and this might help them identify him.
He says the family is seeking closure, thus the move to exhume 11 bodies. Lekgethwane says the Department has obtained a court order from the Ditsobotla Magistrate's Court to exhume the unidentified bodies.
Lekgethwane said proper procedure dictates that they get a court order because one is not allowed to exhume bodies without proper channels being followed.
“DNA tests conducted on the remains of a body found at the hospital at the time proved inconclusive. However, following a lengthy investigation, it is now suspected that the remains of the missing patient could be in one of the eleven graves. The family and the department recently approached the court to grant an order for the remains of a body suspected to be that of the missing patient, to be exhumed” he said.
The process will start on Thursday 25 May 2023 in the Boikhutso Township Cemetery at 09:00.
