THE collection of DNA samples for identifying the people who perished in the Mozambican plane that crashed in Namibia about two weeks ago has started.
A statement by the airline, LAM, on Friday regarding the victims of flight TM470, said the work started last week and that family members in direct or close line with those on board were being asked to provide samples for a DNA match to aid formal identification.
According to the statement, a small team of experienced professionals has been authorised by Mozambican forensic pathologists to undertake the work in accordance with recognised international standards.
“The process will be conducted in private and will remain wholly confidential, forever. Nothing will be disclosed to anyone outside the process – the people collecting the information, the people supporting the families through the process, the laboratory doing the analysis and the families. No one will know what is disclosed in private during the process and we have assured the families that this is the case,” LAM said.
The airline will provide translators to ensure that families fully understand the process, the statement further said. “We have also arranged for psychologists to support the families throughout the process although the process itself is not invasive (it involves gently wiping an oral swab against the inside of one’s cheek).
“We appreciate that some relatives will be distressed and upset because of the very sad reason for needing this process. We are doing everything we can to support the families through this stage of the deceased’s identification process, and it is part of our continuing commitment to them,” LAM added.
A mural to honour and remember those who died in the crash was unveiled in Maputo outside the airline’s head office.
Families of the victims were present and they placed white roses and other flowers at its base as a mark of respect.
“This mural is a temporary arrangement to provide an early opportunity for people who want to commemorate their loved ones. In due course, we intend to erect a permanent memorial,” LAM pointed out.
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