Each year, countless South African families face the heartache of not knowing what has become of their missing loved ones. The emotional strain can be immense, leaving families feeling powerless as they wait for answers. The Tygerberg Forensic Pathology Services (FPS) unit, part of the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Forensic Pathology Services (FPS), has responded to this challenge with a creative and compassionate solution.
Under the leadership of Dr Janette Verster, Tygerberg FPS pioneered the Tygerberg Positive Identification Initiative. This programme has drastically shortened the time it takes to identify unknown decedents – reducing the wait from several months to around 30 days. Families can now find closure much sooner, sparing them further turmoil and distress.
A compassionate response to a pressing need
Before this initiative, the complexity of forensic investigations sometimes meant identifications took far too long, placing additional strain on grieving families. Verster, who also heads the Division of Forensic Pathology at Stellenbosch 肆客足球, highlights the far-reaching impact of delayed identifications: “Beyond the emotional toll on families, lengthy processes lead to significant financial pressures, including daily storage costs, DNA analysis fees, and the need for pauper burials."
Recognising these challenges, the Tygerberg FPS team shifted its approach. Rather than relying solely on police investigations, the team now cross-references fingerprints against existing databases to find a decedent's last-known address. Forensic pathology officers then actively search local communities to locate and notify next of kin more swiftly.
Making a difference?
In 2021, Tygerberg FPS - designed to accommodate 120 bodies - found itself caring for 297 unclaimed decedents, a situation that placed an enormous burden on both the facility and the affected families. The new identification strategy turned the situation around, bringing the average number of unidentified individuals down to around 40. Overall, approximately 85% of cases are now resolved in a fraction of the original time.
Not only has this innovative process offered much-needed closure to families, but it has also resulted in substantial savings, including a reduced need for costly DNA profiling and pauper burials. The Western Cape Government has saved over R3.3 million in just three years, and the facility has cut monthly electricity costs by about R10 000 due to less refrigeration usage.
A humane and community-centred approach?
Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness Forensic Pathology Services, take great pride in this humanitarian, family-focused method. “When we can identify and release a loved one promptly, it shows respect to the deceased, helps families come to terms with their loss, and eases the logistical demands on our service," Verster says. “It's incredibly rewarding for our team to see families find closure and move forward."
Says Director Forensic Pathology Services, Mrs Vonita Thompson: “I commend the team for their continued efforts in bringing closure to families. Through their selfless interventions, they have and continue to bring closure to families through uniting them with their 'lost' loved ones. The teams' compassion and care is inspirational."
Ultimately, this initiative exemplifies how a caring, innovative approach can transform forensic pathology services. Each day saved in identifying a missing person not only reduces costs and pressures on public health services but also offers families the compassion and certainty they so desperately need.
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Caption: Dr Janette Verster.
