Frequently Asked Questions

Once the South African Police Services (SAPS) have completed their investigation and released the scene, the responsibility for cleaning falls entirely on the property owner, family, or landlord. SAPS does not clean crime scenes. This is why professional forensic cleaning services like Trauma Clean exist to handle the remediation safely and professionally so families don't have to.

Blood, bodily fluids and decomposition matter contain dangerous pathogens including HIV, Hepatitis B & C, E.coli and Salmonella. These can survive on surfaces for days or even weeks and can penetrate porous materials like wood, carpet and mattresses that appear clean to the naked eye. Standard household cleaning products cannot eliminate these biological risks. Without specialist training, forensic-grade chemicals and proper PPE, you risk serious health consequences and incomplete decontamination.

The cost of forensic cleaning depends on the size of the scene, the type and extent of contamination, and the materials affected. Every scene is unique and is assessed individually. Trauma Clean provides transparent written quotations based on an on-site assessment before any work begins. As a guide, scenes typically start from R2,000 for smaller post-occupancy or disinfection jobs. More complex scenes involving significant biological contamination are quoted on assessment. Contact us for a free consultation - there is no obligation.

In many cases, yes. If the property is insured, forensic cleaning may be covered under your home contents or building insurance policy as part of a trauma or violent crime claim. We recommend contacting your insurer or loss adjuster immediately after the scene is released by SAPS. Trauma Clean issues a formal Forensic Cleaning Report on every job which supports the insurance claims process and provides documented proof of remediation.

A Forensic Cleaning Report is a formal document issued by Trauma Clean on completion of every job. It records the scope of work carried out, the chemicals and methodology used, the items removed and disposed of, and confirms that the scene has been decontaminated to forensic standard. This document is used by insurers, loss adjusters, property managers and landlords as proof that professional remediation has taken place.

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. As the only dedicated forensic cleaning specialist physically based on the East Rand, we can typically respond to Boksburg, Benoni, Brakpan, Kempton Park and surrounding areas within 20-30 minutes. We cover all of Gauteng and surrounding provinces.

We handle all forensic and biohazard cleaning scenarios including homicide and crime scene cleanup, suicide scene cleanup, unattended death and decomposition, vehicle decontamination after death or violent incident, hoarding cleanup, fingerprint dust removal after police investigation, industrial accident cleanup, gross filth and biohazard remediation, fire and water damage, and pre and post occupancy cleaning where biological contamination is present.

Yes. Vehicle decontamination is one of our specialist services. We work directly with panel beaters, insurance loss adjusters, vehicle salvage yards and towing companies across the East Rand and Gauteng. We decontaminate the vehicle, eliminate all pathogen risk, and issue a Forensic Cleaning Report - allowing the vehicle to be safely handled, repaired or resold.

Decomposition scenes require specialist treatment beyond standard cleaning. Biological material penetrates deeply into surfaces and subfloors, and the odour requires specific neutralisation treatment rather than masking. Trauma Clean uses enzyme-based forensic chemicals that break down biological matter at a molecular level. All affected materials are removed and disposed of in accordance with health and safety regulations. Odour neutralisation is included on every decomposition job.

Absolute discretion is a core part of how we operate. We understand that these situations are deeply private and often traumatic for families and neighbours. We arrive and work without drawing unnecessary attention, use unmarked vehicles on request, and handle every job with complete confidentiality.

Our primary service area is Gauteng - with particular focus on the East Rand including Boksburg, Benoni, Brakpan, Springs, Kempton Park, Germiston and surrounds. We also cover Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West and the Free State. Contact us to discuss availability for scenes outside Gauteng.

First, ensure your own safety and contact emergency services if needed. Once SAPS has attended and released the scene, contact Trauma Clean immediately on 064 243 2858. Do not attempt to clean or disturb the scene before speaking to us—this protects both your health and the integrity of any insurance claim. We will guide you through the process from the first call.

Call or WhatsApp us on 064 243 2858 at any time. We will discuss the scene with you, arrange an on-site assessment where needed, and provide a clear written quotation before any work begins. There is no obligation and the initial consultation is free.