PRETORIA The Seapela family who lost two daughters in a fire that burnt down their Mooiplaas Informal Settlement home will finally be able to bury their 18-year-old daughter more than two months after her death.
The family has been waiting for DNA results confirming her identity.
Her 16-year-old sister died in hospital and was buried in July.
The family spoke to eNCA on Sunday about losing all hope and in latest developments since the interview her body has been verified.
It’s been a tormenting two months for Kgomotso Seapela.
She lost her two daughters at the beginning of July, in a fire that destroyed her home at the Mooiplaas Informal Settlement in Pretoria.
While she laid her 16-year-old to rest she was told that she first needed to wait for DNA confirmation before the remains of her eldest daughter, Matlou Seapela, could be released by the state mortuary.
When eNCA spoke to the family on Sunday they were on the brink of losing all hope about getting her remains back.
A day after the interview the mother was informed through a phone call that her daughter's DNA results were verified.
She said, "I am relieved because I can finally lay my child to rest. I’ve been waiting for he remains to be released since July. I’m grateful to everyone that helped me get my daughter’s remains.”
At the mortuary the Forensic Manager explained to the family that DNA testing is overseen by the South African Police Service
Seapela said, "the police officer in charge of our case never contacted us till today. We were called by the morgue to come and sign DNA confirmation results.”
The family says at least now they have the closure they need.
While this family will lay their daughter to rest on Saturday, it’s apparent that the weight of the DNA backlog took its toll.
Meanwhile, 19 more bodies still wait in the queue at the government mortuary for DNA verification.