Mamogobo family buries their member after two years of DNA results debacle

KOME – The Mamogobo family in Kome Village finally found closure on 19 May when they were afforded an opportunity to burry one of their own, Morabe Zakaria Mamogobo (67), who could not be laid to rest because of police pending investigations as a result of a DNA results matter.

Mamogobo, who was living alone and his immediate family members had also died, passed on in December 2022. His body was found days later and his identity could not be verified at the time his body was found.

Investigating officers on the case opted for DNA tests with close relatives, including biological parents or siblings who could not be found as they had passed on.

The deceased’s family was later requested to submit his personal belongings to facilitate the DNA test process.

Communication break-down between the authorities and members of the family impacted negatively on the process. Delays in the release of DNA results from the national system also played a huge role in the prolonged burial of Mamogobo.

In light of the family’s predicament of having to go for years without paying their last respects to their loved one, Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM) Mayor, Merah Mahlase activated the communication lines and one family spokesperson was identified to provide updates to the police and the family on the matter of the release of the DNA results.

Two days following the establishment of the effective communication strategy between the authorities and the family, Mamogobo’s DNA results were finally released. The results came out positive and confirmed that the body that was kept since 2022 in the state mortuary was that of Mamogobo.

His family thanked the leadership of MLM led by Mayor Merah Mahlase for intervening and attaining swift delivery of the results that kept them awake at night since the death of Mamogobo.