Forensic Medicine and Toxicology University of Cape Town

Overview

Welcome to the Division of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology in the Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town.

Overview

Forensic pathologists make up the majority of the academic staff within the Division and are on joint conditions of service between UCT and the Western Cape Government, Department of Health. They are responsible for the medico-legal investigations of unnatural deaths in the West Metropole of the City of Cape Town and perform about 4000 per annum at the Observatory Forensic Pathology Institute (previously known as Salt River Mortuary). They are supported by a vibrant team of administrators, typists and interns who assist with post-mortem reports, case-file management and procurement.

The forensic scientists, technicians and graduate interns who are also on joint conditions of service, provide ancillary investigation services to assist in the medico-legal investigations of cases for the entire Western Cape province. The largest services are currently histopathology and toxicology, with genetics and entomology services building more capacity.