Family waits for answers as autopsy report delay stalls Alberton crash case
The family of a young Alberton man who died in a motorbike crash in May are still waiting for answers as the official autopsy report had not yet been released.
The family of Enrique Robbetze da Silva (24), who died in a motorbike crash on the corner of Swartkoppies Road and Venter Street, opposite the Kota Joe Roadhouse in Alberton, says they still await answers because the autopsy report has not been released.
The accident happened on the evening of May 2.
Enrique, who would have turned 25 three days later, succumbed to his injuries early on May 3.
Family left in limbo
On August 14, Warrant Officer Joe Matjiu contacted the family, telling them the autopsy report was finally available and that he would collect it on August 15.
When he reverted to them the following day, he explained that this was not the case. Only the photographs from the autopsy were available, not the full report.
This miscommunication left the family even more frustrated and anxious.
“As a family, we are concerned and upset that, months later, we still have no clear update or progress on this case. We were told that the autopsy report is still pending and could take between five and six years to be completed due to a backlog.
“We were told the delay is because there is only one person at the Germiston Morgue responsible for typing autopsy reports. This is distressing for us, as we are in the dark, with no answers or closure. We feel nothing is happening to move this case forward, and it is heartbreaking to think we might have to wait years to know the truth.
“All we are asking for is transparency, communication and progress. We hope that by raising this matter, there will be more attention on the unacceptable delays we are facing,” said the family.
The family said they have tried for two weeks to reach Matjiu, “We have been sending him messages for two weeks. He’s not responding to our texts.”
Police investigation on hold
Matjiu confirmed to the Alberton Record that he still awaits the autopsy report. He said that once received, it would immediately be sent to the court for a decision on the matter. Until then, the case cannot proceed.
Awaiting official comment
The Alberton Record has contacted the Germiston Mortuary for a response on the backlog and awaits comment. Once received, an update will be provided.
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