Mpumalanga’s forensic pathology officers have downed their scalpels.

Bodies are piling up in state morgues, including Middelburg’s forensic pathology services, with officers refusing to incise the bodies for post-mortem examinations.

Officers still pick up bodies, do the paper work, and transfer the bodies to and from the autopsy room, but refuse to open the bodies for internal examinations.

According to a reliable source who prefers to remain anonymous out of fear for reprisal, members of NEHAWU are embarking on a ‘knife down campaign’, and not assisting with autopsies.

Bodies have been piling up since Monday.

Families are frustrated, not knowing when post mortems will be done in order for the bodies to be released for burial.

The source said that workers embarked on the unusual go-slow after being forced to accept occupational specific dispensation; a public service remuneration strategy introduced to attract and retain skilled professionals by offering unique salary structures, career pathing, and pay progression based on performance and experience.

There’s just one problem.

There are only two groups in the forensic pathology occupational specific dispensation, namely managers and forensic pathology officers (FPOs).

Everything in-between fell away with workers saying there’s no chance for promotions when you’re grouped under the FPO umbrella.

According to the source, promises have been made to address the issue without backing their words with actions.

The service has also not been professionalised since 2006, despite it being an essential service.