Johannesburg EMS (@CityofJoburgEMS)
Families of the victims of Thursday's devastating fire in the Johannesburg CBD can now go to the Diepkloof mortuary to identify loved ones.
The Gauteng Department of Health said the mortuary will be open this weekend from 9 am -3 pm where counselling will be offered to the bereaved families.
Victims with visible fingerprints will be processed on a digital fingerprint system.
The system uses biometric scanners and third-party access to the databases of the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Police Service and the National Credit Bureau.
According to an official statement, the 74 victims included 40 men, 24 women, and 12 children.
Ten victims were burnt beyond recognition and will be identified by DNA.
The spokesperson for the MEC for Health Motalatale Modiba says they also found four body parts.
He says by late Thursday afternoon 61 people were treated at various hospitals while 16 had been discharged.
The government has also activated a toll-free hotline number to assist those who are tracing loved ones.
Meanwhile, Structural engineers are expected to examine the building on Friday and nobody will be allowed in until the area is cleared.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the deadly Johannesburg building fire as a great tragedy that will be felt by the families of the victims.
Speaking in Gqeberha on Thursday, he sent a message of condolence to the families of the victims, saying his heart went out to each and every family that was affected.
The President said the tragic fire requires everyone, from emergency services and other government entities, to reach out to survivors and to help restore people's physical and psychological well-being.
