​By Koketso Maraba
In an effort to exchange best practices and improve performance at Gauteng Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) mortuaries, a number of measures a set to be rolled out.
These were highlighted during the Gauteng Forensic Medical Services (FMS) Indaba which was attended by various role-players in the sector such as the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, South African Police Service (SAPS) and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Gauteng FPS mortuaries previously experienced a high number of case backlogs such as the processing of unidentified and unclaimed bodies, poor turn-around time and the finalisation of post-mortem reports and their capturing including a spike in the number of GBV, sexual assault and domestic violence cases at FMS.
To address these issues, the Indaba resolved to ensure the recruitment of previously employed forensic pathology doctors to perform sessional autopsy duties where necessary and unemployed young people to assist in converting written post-mortems reports into digital files.
Already, the Gauteng FPS has introduced the Digital Fingerprint System which has been instrumental in the identification of unknown bodies and the tracing of families of known unclaimed bodies. This intervention followed the opening of a Forensic Pathology Services Training Room at the Ga-Rankuwa Forensic Pathology Services to train more specialists in the area of forensic pathology.
MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said that measures need to be implemented  to ensure that FMS adheres to the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in their work. 
"Our contribution today will pave the way for a more efficient and responsive forensic medical service, ultimately benefiting the people of Gauteng. This collaborative effort will enable us to develop strategies and solutions that are comprehensive and sustainable. By leveraging the expertise and resources of all stakeholders we can create a more effective forensic medical service delivery system," said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.
To enhance access to forensic pathology services, the Gauteng FPS has acquired a fleet of 17 response vehicles. These vehicles are each designed to accommodate and transport bodies with respect and dignity.
In addition, the Acting CEO for Gauteng FMS, Thembalethu Mpahlaza said that the province has in recent times recorded an alarming increase of sexual assaults.  
"To ensure our communities in Gauteng have access to forensic medical services, we continue to expand our footprint to more areas in the province, especially where our hospitals record a large number of GBV and sexual assault cases.
"We recently opened a forensic medical services centre at Carletonville Hospital to provide medical assistance to sexually offended patients, support for rape victims, improving the prosecution of perpetrators, and have created a safe space for women, children, and men to seek for help without being victimised," said Mpahlaza. 
Some of the ongoing projects to improve efficiency include the digitisation of processes through the FPS Information Management System including the project to complete the new Forensic Medical Services building at the Helen Joseph Hospital precinct.