Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Biénne Huisman for Spotlight
Published on 2024-02-26 20:51:03
Forensic scientists are the guardians of the dead, according to Prof Lorna Martin. They serve as the voice for the deceased, unraveling the mysteries of their final moments so that justice can be served. For over three decades, Martin has dedicated her life to this noble cause. She has spent countless hours dissecting bodies, meticulously documenting her findings, and providing expert testimony in courtrooms. Her work has garnered attention from the media, with notable cases such as her involvement in the capture of a notorious serial killer and her testimony in high-profile investigations like the death of British cricket coach Bob Woolmer.
In April, the Observatory Forensic Pathology Institute (Ofpi) will be officially inaugurated by health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo. This state-of-the-art facility, spanning three levels next to Groote Schuur Hospital, will replace the outdated Salt River Mortuary in Cape Town. It features four spacious dissection areas, equipped with advanced ventilation systems and secure sections for handling infectious diseases like TB. The nearly R300 million investment integrates provincial health services with academic training, marking a significant milestone in forensic pathology in the Western Cape.
Despite the new facility’s operational status, there are still challenges to overcome. With a backlog of 20 to 30 autopsies awaiting completion daily, the dedicated team at Ofpi is working tirelessly to fulfill their duties. Under Martin’s leadership, a team of 10 doctors conducts up to three postmortems each day. Despite the overwhelming workload, they managed to complete 4,500 autopsies last year at the old Salt River Mortuary, which has now been decommissioned.
Martin’s passion for forensic medicine is evident in her dedication to solving complex cases and seeking justice for the deceased. Her relentless pursuit of truth and meticulous attention to detail have made her a respected figure in the field. Reflecting on her career, Martin recounts the harrowing experiences of investigating violent deaths, particularly those involving women and girls. She is haunted by the inhumanity of these tragedies and continues to advocate for their dignity and respect in death.
Born in the UK and raised in various countries, Martin’s early dreams of becoming a veterinarian led her to pursue a career in medicine. Inspired by a mentor in her medical school years, she discovered her passion for forensic pathology and embarked on a journey that would shape her future. From her early days as a district surgeon in Hillbrow to her current role as the head of forensic medicine at the University of Cape Town, Martin has dedicated her life to serving the community and seeking justice for the deceased.
As one of only 54 registered forensic pathologists in South Africa, Martin’s impact on the field is far-reaching. Many of her former students have gone on to lead pathology services across the country, embodying her commitment to excellence and professionalism. Through her research, mentorship, and advocacy, Martin has left an indelible mark on the forensic pathology community, inspiring future generations to uphold the values of integrity, respect, and justice in their work.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
