National Health Act, 2003 (Act No. 61 of 2003)RegulationsRegulations Regarding the Rendering of Forensic Pathology Service, 201816. Release of body |
| (1) | A body may only be released from the Service after— |
| (a) | the medico-legal investigation of death has been concluded; |
| (b) | where necessary, an appropriate tissue or blood sample has been harvested or other investigations done, in order to assist with the medico-legal investigation and to facilitate the scientific identification of the deceased; |
| (c) | the authorised medical practitioner has given approval for such release of the body; or |
| (d) | the spouse, partner, major child, parent, guardian, major brother, major sister, care-giver or duly authorised party has given a written consent for release of a body to a third party, or by an order of the Court. |
| (2) | Where the person giving consent, as contemplate din sub-regulation (1), is unable to pay for the burial of the body, the local authority having jurisdiction of the area where the body was found, must provide for a pauper burial or cremation of such a body. |