If I had to die a gruesome, unnatural death, there is no other person in the world I would rather want to do a post-mortem examination on my body than forensic pathologist, Professor Lorna Martin.
Bearing witness to evil: Meet one of SA’s top forensic pathologists, responsible for thousands of post-mortems a year
It was Martin who had the idea for this institute when she became the first female head in the country of forensic medicine at the University of Cape Town in 2004. In 2012 she started in earnest with the task of building the OPFI.After graduating as a medical doctor from Wits University, her first job was as a district surgeon in Hillbrow. The year 1996 was life changing. She got a job as a registrar in forensic pathology where she he worked mainly at the Diepkloof mortuary.
During this time she had to cope with her worst case to date. It stands out from the estimated 10,000 bodies she examined during her career. Making direct eye contact with her intense blue eyes, she slowly starts to tell what happened. And that is what all South Africans should see. This I have intrinsically believed ever since her powerful lecture. We should physically witness what is done to women during gender-based violence. See the evidence to pluck us out of our comfort zones and ignorance.She speaks about the Sizzlers mass murders of January 2003. Nine men were murdered and one was severely injured in an ordeal that lasted at least three hours.
“I remember a mother who came in with a friend to identify her son. She said: ‘That is not my son.’ The friend of the victim said it was definitely him. She was in complete denial. Even when she was shown a birthmark, she denied it was her son.“Eventually I found another mother. She told me: ‘You can have him. Do whatever you like with him.’ She did not want her son’s body.”She attended one of the church services for a Sizzlers victim in Cape Town. “It is crazy, but that is what I did.
“But my wife hears things. I get phoned at night; she hears me shouting on the phone. I can hear her telling people that she never knew what my work entails. Maybe that is a good thing? In this building they have beautiful state-of-the-art identification rooms. One cannot touch the body before the examination has been done, only afterwards when it is released.all unnatural and sudden unexplained deaths – have increased. These include homicides, suicides, vehicle and other accidents, medical errors, alcohol intoxications, drownings and drug overdoses.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Beware of bad actors bearing flowersRomance scamming has become a prevalent way to defraud lonely and vulnerable people, says LexisNexis Risk Solutions.
Read more »
Somalia: In Somalia, Green Climate Fund Tests New Approach for Left-Out CommunitiesOne of the world's most vulnerable countries, Somalia is bearing the brunt of climate extremes.
Read more »
Small businesses bear the brunt of Johannesburg water shortages - SABC NewsWest Rand Chamber of Business says small businesses are bearing the brunt of water shortages.
Read more »
Professor Dire Tladi opens up about his recent appointment as ICJ judgeTladi hopes that his election will show South Africans, especially those in Ga-Rankuwa and Mahikeng where he is from, that whoever you are, nothing is beyond reach.
Read more »
Professor Edward Webster – Hamba kahle, Madala of SociologyFormer students, academics and activists have described Professor Emeritus Edward “Eddie” Webster as a brilliant mind who was a friend to many.
Read more »
Eva Modika Meets International Star Akon, Video of Meet-Up Receives Rave ReviewsInfluencer Eva Modika met International superstar Akon. A video of their interaction gained traction online but netizens wondered what they spoke about.
Read more »