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Filthy conditions force morgue to close its doors

By Anita Dangazele

  • New Brighton mortuary in the Eastern Cape shut down after inspectors found giant rats and unsafe, filthy conditions, with services moved to another facility.
  • Eastern Cape Health plans deep cleaning and pest control, aiming to resolve the issue and ensure lasting cleanliness by next week.

The New Brighton mortuary in Gqeberha has been forced to close after labour inspectors discovered dangerous and dirty conditions, including giant rats and body fluids on the floors.

The Eastern Cape health department had to shut the morgue’s doors on Monday after getting a prohibition notice from labour inspectors.

The closure comes after months of horror stories about giant rats feasting on bodies at the facility.

The department admitted to the gruesome situation in November 2024, saying they would stop the rats from getting into the building.

But Eastern Cape Health communications director Siyanda Manana said inspectors were shocked by how dirty the morgue still was.

“Until the concerns are addressed, bodies will be dissected at the Galvandale forensic pathology services facility to ensure there is service continuity,” said Manana.

Staff from New Brighton will also move to Gelvandale while the department fixes the problems.

Manana said they will hire cleaners and pest controllers who already work at Livingstone Hospital to do a deep clean of the mortuary.

“The department expects that the issue of cleanliness in the department will be resolved by next week,” he said.

“The department will update the public in due time. Until then, we are appealing for space to address the issues raised.”

Two senior officials have been sent to find a permanent solution to maintain cleanliness.

Pictured above: An Eastern Cape Forensic Pathology vehicle.

Source: Facebook