Post-Mortem Toxicology in Violent Fatalities in Cape Town, South Africa: A Preliminary Investigation

ConclusionsA high prevalence of drugs of abuse was identified in a cohort of victims of violent death. Objective drug trends observed were consistent with national self-reported rehabilitation centre data and research on self-reported drug user. This study was limited by the sampling strategy, including challenges associated with obtaining consent and the rapid turnover of violent fatalities. Despite this – and to the authors’ knowledge – this study provided the first prospective post-mortem toxicological investigation into violent death in South Africa. Contextually, it highlights the need for routine and comprehensive toxicology in these cases to strengthen research and service provision, so as to better understand the role of drugs in violent death.
Source: Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine - Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research