The Gauteng Health Department is investigating claims of extortion and corruption at the Germiston Forensic Pathology Service facility, where officials have been accused of demanding money from grieving families to expedite post-mortems, reports IOL.
First mentioned in a social media post, the claims have since gained widespread attention.
The department said all forensic pathology services are provided at no cost to the public and warned that no official is authorised to request or accept any payments.
"All services, including DNA analysis, post-mortem exams and storage of bodies, are free of charge,” it said in a statement.
“Forensic Pathology Services are not for sale, and no one… should pay an official to receive a service to which they are entitled. And no official has the right to demand payment.”
The department warned that any official found guilty of corruption would face consequences.
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