The IFP demands a full scale forensic audit investigation at public hospital mortuaries in KwaZulu-Natal after the arrest of five people, including a government employee, for the alleged selling of corpses at King Edward VIII Hospital.
“We condemn this abominable act of greed and insensitivity on the part of these government employees, and we demand answers from the management of the institution. It is actually a well-organised syndicate that is operating and we are very glad that Hawks have been called in to investigate. To steal a corpse is inhuman and sacrilegious. Driven by greed, these people sought to make money by selling corpses that could be used in insurance fraud scams, trade in body parts or for muti purposes. People who seek to indulge in such vile acts have no place in society,” said IFP Spokesperson on Health, Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana.
“This is a unique type of crime that should be punishable by serious jail time. We suggest that penalties should be tougher for this kind of syndicate and that time in prison should be doubled. People must go to jail as this will send a clear message to others who might have similar plans,” continued Mrs Nkwanyana.
“We further demand that government must get rid of dubious funeral parlours that continue to operate in South Africa, and insurance companies that continue to underwrite them. Illegal operators rent facilities such as storage and refrigerators from those who operate legally. They use the registration papers of those who are legal and pay them. But this sometimes leads to tension because these legal operators want to take over the burials once they have the body.” concluded Mrs Nkwanyana.
The IFP further demands that punishment for corruption must be swift and harsh.
If potentially corrupt people know they will get off with a light sentence, they are more likely to take a chance of committing corruption than if they know they will be sent to jail for a long time.
Issued by:
Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana MPL,
IFP Spokesperson on Health, 078 302 3991
For Media Enquiries:
IFP KZN Provincial Legislature Media Liaison Officer,
Mr Phendulani Biyase, 073 024 5675
