First Steps

First Steps : Accidental or Sudden Death

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In all cases where the death has occurred from other than natural causes, i.e. the sudden death of a person who was not under the care of a physician - it is necessary for the S.A.P.S. to be notified who reserve the right to transport the deceased to a government mortuary where they will conduct a post mortem examination.

The District Surgeon is appointed to investigate deaths where a doctor is unable or
unwilling to sign the Notification of Death (BI-1663). He is involved usually with the
following deaths:

an unexpected death in hospital;
death of person accommodated or retained in a government institution;
death due to suicide, homicide, poisoning or drug overdose;
death due to fire or accident;
death that occurs at a person's place of employment;
death in a public place;
death caused by a road accident.

When a death is reported to the S.A.P.S. they will arrange for the deceased to be conveyed to the State Mortuary.

A police officer prepares a report for the District Surgeon who then seeks to determine the cause of death by inspection of the deceased or autopsy.

Normally each body taken to the state mortuary must be formally identified, but not necessarily by the next of kin. Anyone who knew the Deceased can identify, provided that person has with them their ID and the ID of the Deceased. After formal identification has taken place at the Medico Legal Laboratory (Government Mortuary)
the family will be handed a release document also known as a SAPS382. This document must be handed to the Funeral Director which gives them permission to collect the deceased and remove to their facilities.