s 12 Preliminary investigation by Coroner
12. —(1) As soon as possible after a death is reported to a Coroner, the Coroner is to make a preliminary investigation into the cause of and circumstances connected with the death, including whether the death was due to natural causes. (2) In the preliminary investigation, a Coroner need not view the body, but may, if the Coroner thinks it necessary, do so — ( a ) at the place where the body is lying, or any other place to which the body has been moved; or ( b ) by a live video link, or by any other means that the State Coroner may approve which reasonably allows the Coroner to view and identify the body. (3) If after the preliminary investigation, a Coroner considers that the death was due to natural causes and that it is unnecessary to hold an inquiry, the Coroner may issue an order under section 22 for the release of the body. [Act 31 of 2021 wef 02/05/2023] —(1) As soon as possible after a death is reported to a Coroner, the Coroner is to make a preliminary investigation into the cause of and circumstances connected with the death, including whether the death was due to natural causes. (2) In the preliminary investigation, a Coroner need not view the body, but may, if the Coroner thinks it necessary, do so — ( a ) at the place where the body is lying, or any other place to which the body has been moved; or ( b ) by a live video link, or by any other means that the State Coroner may approve which reasonably allows the Coroner to view and identify the body. (3) If after the preliminary investigation, a Coroner considers that the death was due to natural causes and that it is unnecessary to hold an inquiry, the Coroner may issue an order under section 22 for the release of the body. [Act 31 of 2021 wef 02/05/2023]