Status Report: Mr. G. Raseala's Mortal Remains - Department of Health Forensic Pathology Services
The report details the discovery and identification process of an unknown body linked to the Raseala family, highlighting discussions with the family regarding DNA testing and police affidavits. Despite familial attempts to assist with identification, challenges arose, leading to the matter being handed over to the South African Police Service for further directives.
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NORTH WEST DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FORENSIC PATHOLOGY SERVICES Status report of the mortal remains of Mr G.Raseala. Date: 28 / 11/ 2023 1
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH LAYOUT Background Discussion Current situation Conclusion 2
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BACKGROUND In September 2021 an unknown body was found by Police hanging under the tree around Mogwase. The body was collected by Phokeng Forensic Pathology officers in consultation with the South African Police officer at the scene. Postmortem was done the following day. In May 2022, finger prints report linking the deceased with the Raseala family in Hammanskraal. 3
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH DISCUSSION Three options were explained to the family, namely, Considering DNA, To get into our fridges if they were brave to assist with To get Police affidavit to release the body. identification The family elected to get into our body s storages to help with identification process 4
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH DISCUSSION Three options were explained to the family, namely, Considering DNA, To get into our fridges if they were brave to assist with identification To get Police affidavit to release the body. The family elected to get into our body s storages to help with identification process 5
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH DISCUSSION The family identified the body based on non biological features that were discovered with the body On 26 May 2022, the family reported that the Police officer who was at the scene strongly maintained that, he has no additional circumstantial evidence and the DNA was the only available option. The family was strongly opposed it due to the length of time it would take. Family were advised them that, we were unable to release the body unless instructed to do so by SAPS in a form of an affidavit. 6
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH DISCUSSION On 27 May 2023 the family reported that, they could not be assisted at Mogwase Police with affidavit. DNA samples did not match the family. The matter was now strictly in the hands of SAPS to provide directives. 7
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CURRENT SITUATION The Department have been waiting for SAPS directive or further investigation findings. Meeting was held on 08 November 2023 in Brits FPS and resolved that, the body family identified on non biological features be relooked once again aiming at engaging South African Police Services to assist with affidavit in order for us to release the body. On Monday 13 November 2023 a follow up meeting was held with senior management of the SAPS 8
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CURRENT SITUATION The SAPS, agreed that: A family member assist with re-identification of Mr G. Raseale mortal remains pointing to non Biological features, as the family was adamant that, the body they saw on 25 May 2023 matched his features. If they are convinced, South African Police Services would then write an affidavit to release the body. If SAPS is not convinced, they will apply for exhumation of ten of the 34 bodies buried in 2021. On the same day the team visited the home of the Raseale s family in Hammanskraal and met the mother of the deceased and explained the latest developments. 9
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CONCLUSION The SAPS has provided a letter to bury the mortal remains on the 21 November 2023. Documentation has been given to the Municipality and once permission is obtained then the Department will inform the family. 10
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Thank You 11
