Forensic
Forensic pathology is the discipline which involves both medical and legal matters and deals with the handling of unnatural deaths. It is the determining of cause and manner of unnatural deaths. It involves the executing of an autopsy, the compilation of a post-mortem report and, if necessary, giving evidence at either an inquest or in court.
Most forensic pathologists (90%) are employed by the State.
Forensic pathologists in the private sector will attend autopsies as observer at an inquest or will do a second autopsy in some cases. South African law prescribes that any and all unnatural death autopsies are to be performed by an employee of the State.
In the event of a certified natural death where the family wants more clarity about the reason of death, the doctor or hospital will refer the next of kin to a private practicing forensic pathologist who will perform such an autopsy - usually at the undertaker’s premises. Should the pathologist, during the procedure, see any evidence which may indicate unnatural death, he/she will immediately refer the next of kin to the police for the State to take over the matter.
