By OBAKENG MAJE
2 September 2026 – The North West Department of Health is under fire after the closure of a forensic pathology and laboratory facility at the Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital in Vryburg allegedly over safety act breaches. The alleged municipal non-compliance, occupational health and safety violations, or design standard breaches, forced the department to conduct its forensic pathology duties at Taung District Hospital, which is also non-compliant.
According to our highly-placed source, the forensic pathology and laboratory facility at Taung District Hospital, violates health and safety procedures. The source told The Guardian Newspaper that the forensic pathology and laboratory facility is situated next to paediatric and maternity wards, which is hazardous.
“The smell coming out of the forensic pathology and laboratory facility is unbearable. The area does not meet required standards to operate as a forensic pathology and laboratory facility. Again, the hospital does not have a certificate to operate, so it is in violation.
“There is no hot water as required, there are ventilation failures, biohazard risks and non-compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. This is clear that the building failed to comply with municipal bylaws and building standards. The hospital management is aware of the flagged occupational safety non-compliance, but disregard their plea.”
The source said they demand the suspension of operations at compromised forensic and science laboratory until mandatory health screenings and structural fixes are met.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane has provided the precise status and reason for non-compliance. Lekgethwane said the department is aware of the closure of a mortuary at Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital.
“Yes, the facility was closed due to the other part of the building, which has to undergo renovations. The building is non-compliant due to renovations that are in the process. For now, the facility does not have a required certificate for compliance, but we are still in the process of acquiring it.
“The Environmental Health Practitioners are aware of this matter. The forensic pathology and laboratory facility at Taung District Hospital is partially compliant. However, it does not have a compliant certificate as we are awaiting recommended work to be completed that includes, but not limited to painting,” he said.
Lekgethwane further said the maternity and children’s wards are part of the hospital building and they are not attached to the mortuary. He added that there is hot water at the facility.
The Guardian 