The closure of the Free State Government Mortuary in Bloemfontein has left many families in the central Free State region frustrated and concerned. The Department of Labour issued a prohibition notice on 18 October 2024, citing serious infrastructure failures as the reason for the closure. As a result, bodies have been moved to the Welkom Mortuary, located approximately 150 km away.
One family affected by this unexpected change is the Maqalikas from Rouxville. Their son, Thato, tragically lost his life in a tavern fight over the weekend. The family had made arrangements to collect his body for an autopsy in Bloemfontein, only to receive a last-minute notification that his remains had been transferred to Welkom.
Thato’s mother, Selina Maqalika, expressed her distress, stating, “We were prepared to retrieve my son’s body in Bloemfontein, but now we have been informed that his body has been relocated to Welkom. This will result in additional costs for us.” The family now needs to arrange for a hearse to transport the body from Welkom back to their hometown.
Despite the concerns raised by affected families, the Free State Department of Health has downplayed the situation, stating that there is no crisis in Bloemfontein. The department has made alternative arrangements for bodies requiring autopsies during the closure. These bodies will be stored inside the Forensic Pathology Truck at the Free State Government Mortuary before being transported to Welkom for examination.
The closure of the Bloemfontein mortuary is temporary, with the Department of Health addressing critical issues such as electrical compliance, blocked sewer pipes, ventilation problems, structural safety, and waste fridge replacement. Workers at the mortuary have voiced their concerns about the facility’s conditions and have requested additional support if they are expected to assist at the Welkom mortuary.
The Department of Health assures that it is handling the situation with care and dignity, ensuring that families are informed and that the necessary measures are in place for the safe storage and transportation of bodies. It is essential for families to stay informed and cooperate with the authorities during this challenging time.
