DA EXPOSES HOSPITAL FUNERAL COVER-UP

I have given evidence to Gauteng Health MEC Hope Papo that exposes an apparent cover-up for a private funeral company that does lucrative pauper burials for the mortuary at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.

Papo had replied in writing to my questions in the Legislature that no pauper burials were done by Soko Funeral Parlour cc, but I have given him an invoice from this company to the hospital for R62 199 for 69 pauper burials in January this year.

Allegations have been made that this company and other funeral companies have been irregularly paid for pauper burials of indigent adults and babies who actually don't exist.

The invoice I have in my possession charges R590 each for 54 baby burials, and 1100 each for 15 adult burials.

But according to the reply from Papo, only 18 pauper burials were done for babies in January this year, and 14 for adults.

The invoice from Soko Funerals needs to be verified, and if it is valid we need to know why certain hospital officials lied to the MEC in this matter.

A thorough investigation is needed into the mortuary at this hospital which also faces allegations that bodies were sold to undertakers.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Health Spokesman, November 6 2013

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