Nearly a year has passed since the tragic fire at the Usindiso Building in Marshalltown, which resulted in the loss of 76 lives. As the anniversary of the disaster approaches, 19 bodies remain unclaimed, causing prolonged heartache for many families still waiting to lay their loved ones to rest.
The delay stems from ongoing DNA testing required to accurately identify the victims. This process has been painstakingly slow, compounding the grief and suffering of the affected families.
Mametlwe Sebei, a representative of the Marshalltown Fire Justice Campaign, has spoken out against the protracted delay. “It is deeply distressing and unacceptable that families impacted by this tragedy have been denied closure and the fundamental human right to mourn their loved ones,” Sebei asserted.
Sebei also challenged the explanations provided for the delays, particularly the assertion that some bodies have not been claimed by relatives. “The government has not shown adequate commitment to investigating and confirming the identities of the victims. It’s incorrect to say they were unknown to other survivors,” he said. Sebei mentioned that some survivors have been deported or have left the city, which has added complexity to the identification process.
He urged the Gauteng Forensic Pathology Services and the Gauteng Department of Health to speed up the DNA testing. “Families should not have to wait over a year to bury their loved ones. This delay is unjustifiable and undermines the dignity and rights of both the deceased and their grieving families,” Sebei insisted.
In response, Gauteng health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba confirmed that the necessary post-mortem examinations have been completed. He indicated that the responsibility now lies with the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory and the victim identification center. “The DNA sampling, collection of family reference samples, and the actual DNA analysis and identification process is managed exclusively by these authorities,” Modiba explained.
Modiba denied any claims of a backlog in post-mortem examinations, emphasizing that the department has efficiently managed its role in the process. “Any questions regarding the DNA identification should be directed to the SAPS, as they are the authority handling this aspect of the victim identification,” he concluded.
As families continue to endure this agonizing wait, the community remains burdened by the aftermath of the disaster. The 19 unclaimed bodies are a stark reminder of the urgent need for a timely and compassionate resolution, allowing the bereaved to finally find peace and closure.
