The mortuary was previously closed due to occupational health and safety violations.

This development follows a meeting held with the MEC of Health, Monyatso Mahlatsi, the new Head of the Department, Motsamai Mohlahlo, and the management of Forensic Pathology Services to address the bottlenecks that had contributed to the backlog.

The mortuary was partially reopened by the Department of Employment and Labour in May this year, following a six-month closure due to occupational health and safety violations. The department has, however, urged the public to be aware that some cases still take up to two weeks to complete.

“As of 21 July 2025, we currently do not have a backlog of outstanding cases for autopsies,” said Free State Department of Health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi. “The Government Mortuary in Bloemfontein is … conducting an impressive ten autopsies a day on weekdays.

“The mortuary will be dissecting and conducting autopsies from Monday to Thursday to maintain this. Additional autopsies are performed on Saturdays to meet service delivery demands.”

Friday will be reserved for deep cleaning and addressing extraordinary service demands.

Mvambi commended the Forensic Pathology Services for their exceptional efforts in the week from Monday, 14 July, to Saturday, 19 July, during which a total of 72 autopsies were completed.

The department has urged the public to be aware that some cases still take up to two weeks to complete, especially when complex circumstances and major players are involved in the medicolegal inquiry of unnatural deaths.

Complex cases, such as those involving bodies burnt beyond recognition or human remains in advanced stages of decomposition, may require extended investigation times, including DNA analysis.

“This process, managed solely by the police, may take additional time and can delay the release of bodies from the forensic mortuary,” said Mvambi. “We urge families to contact the mortuary before planning burial dates to confirm that all medicolegal investigations, including autopsies, have been completed.”

The mortuary was closed in October, and the closure disrupted post-mortem services, placing additional strain on personnel and facilities across the province.

Autopsies were rerouted to the Welkom Mortuary, Kroonstad Mortuary, and the University of the Free State.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg