The Star reports that emotions boiled over at the Hillbrow mortuary on Thursday as frustrated bereaving families sought answers about the release of their loved ones' bodies.  

Police were called in to defuse the situation sparked by the protracted go-slow by Forensic Pathology Services staff.  Enraged families confronted management at the mortuary, saying they would be damned if they left without the bodies, which resulted in employees shouting back: “You can take your bodies and go!”  The families felt disrespected by the comment and threatened to take the matter into their own hands.  National Education Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) spokesperson Khaya Xaba said there was no strike or go-slow.  But, the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) has deployed several of its members to the Hillbrow Forensic Pathology Services to ensure that work continues.  Management of the mortuary refused to comment following families' complaints about the service.

• Read this report by Nokuthula Zwane and Thabang Rammutla in full at The Star

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page