Lerato Mailoane

As of 1 August 2023, five mortuaries in Gauteng will be able to identify dead bodies with the use of digital fingerprint system.

The system will address the challenge of unclaimed and unidentified bodies.

Speaking at the launch of the system at the Germiston Police Station on Thursday 13 July, Premier Panyaza Lesufi said residents would be able to check for their loved ones who have died through the online system. This would address the problem of families burying the wrong bodies because of incorrect information.

Also, in attendance at the launch was MEC for Health, Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko who said: “Technology has emerged as a driving force, enabling us to expedite processes and optimise efficiency in service provision. With the Digital Fingerprint System, we have harnessed the power of advanced technologies to streamline and enhance the identification process for deceased individuals. This innovative system enables us to capture and store digital fingerprints securely, creating a centralised and comprehensive database for comparison and matching against existing records.”

Nkomo-Ralehoko added that forensic pathology officers at all mortuaries would receive specialised training to use the biometric scanners, access the integrated databases, and interpret the fingerprint data to facilitate accurate identifications.

“This system empowers us to swiftly identify and confirm the identities of deceased individuals, bringing closure to grieving families and expediting investigative processes for law enforcement agencies. Waiting times are significantly reduced, allowing for timely resolutions and a more compassionate approach to forensic pathology services,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.

Clinical staff including medical officers, pathologists, and general support staff will also receive training to familiarise themselves with the system ensuring that they capture and analyse fingerprints, expediting the identification process and improving overall efficiency.

The training programmes will be conducted periodically at each facility, ensuring that all staff members receive the necessary training and support to effectively utilize the system. Ongoing training and refresher courses will also be provided to keep staff updated with the latest advancements and best practices in forensic pathology and digital identification processes.

SOURCED FROM THE GAUTENG PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT WEBSITE.