News / National
Zimbabwe hospital stuck with 16 unidentified bodies
2 hrs ago |
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Police in Lupane, Matabeleland North Province, have appealed to members of the public to assist in identifying and collecting 16 unclaimed bodies currently being held at St Luke's Hospital mortuary.
The remains, which include four infants, have reportedly been at the mortuary for several years after the deceased were brought in on different dates without identification documents or details that could assist authorities in tracing their next of kin.
The appeal underscores the ongoing challenge faced by mortuaries, particularly in remote districts, where unidentified and unclaimed bodies can remain in storage for extended periods due to difficulties in establishing identities and locating relatives.
Matabeleland North provincial police community relations liaison officer, Inspector Glory Banda, said authorities were seeking assistance from the public to help identify the deceased and locate their families.
"The remains, which include those of four babies, have been in the mortuary for many years, as they were brought dead on different dates and without identification particulars," Inspector Banda said in a statement.
Police have urged families with relatives who went missing in Lupane and surrounding areas to contact the district social development office to determine whether any of the remains could belong to their loved ones.
Authorities said members of the public with information that could assist in identifying the deceased should also approach the Lupane district social development officer.
The prolonged retention of unclaimed bodies remains a concern for health institutions and local authorities, as it places additional pressure on mortuary facilities that often operate with limited storage capacity and resources.
Community leaders and social welfare stakeholders have previously called for stronger mechanisms to assist in identifying deceased persons, including improved record-keeping, public awareness campaigns and enhanced coordination between law enforcement agencies, health institutions and communities.
Officials hope the latest appeal will help bring closure to affected families while easing pressure on the mortuary facility by facilitating the identification and collection of the remains.
The remains, which include four infants, have reportedly been at the mortuary for several years after the deceased were brought in on different dates without identification documents or details that could assist authorities in tracing their next of kin.
The appeal underscores the ongoing challenge faced by mortuaries, particularly in remote districts, where unidentified and unclaimed bodies can remain in storage for extended periods due to difficulties in establishing identities and locating relatives.
Matabeleland North provincial police community relations liaison officer, Inspector Glory Banda, said authorities were seeking assistance from the public to help identify the deceased and locate their families.
"The remains, which include those of four babies, have been in the mortuary for many years, as they were brought dead on different dates and without identification particulars," Inspector Banda said in a statement.
Authorities said members of the public with information that could assist in identifying the deceased should also approach the Lupane district social development officer.
The prolonged retention of unclaimed bodies remains a concern for health institutions and local authorities, as it places additional pressure on mortuary facilities that often operate with limited storage capacity and resources.
Community leaders and social welfare stakeholders have previously called for stronger mechanisms to assist in identifying deceased persons, including improved record-keeping, public awareness campaigns and enhanced coordination between law enforcement agencies, health institutions and communities.
Officials hope the latest appeal will help bring closure to affected families while easing pressure on the mortuary facility by facilitating the identification and collection of the remains.
Source - Southern Eye
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