Forensic Anthropology in South Africa: A Profile of Cases from 1993 to 1995 at the Department of Anatomy, University of Pretoria

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Periodical article

Title:	Forensic Anthropology in South Africa: A Profile of Cases from 1993 to 1995 at the Department of Anatomy, University of Pretoria
Authors:	Steyn, Maryna Meiring, J.H. Nienaber, W.C.
Year:	1997
Periodical:	South African Journal of Ethnology
Volume:	20
Issue:	1
Period:	March
Pages:	23-26
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	physical anthropology autopsy Anthropology and Archaeology
Abstract:	Although the contribution of physical anthropologists in forensic cases has been recognized in various parts of the world, this has not been the case in South Africa. Since 1993, however, unidentified forensic cases have been referred more regularly to the Department of Anatomy, University of Pretoria, for analysis. South Africa has its own problems as far as victim identification is concerned, and high numbers of bodies remain unidentified. Several factors, such as high rates of violence, lack of dental records, and non-reporting of missing individuals, play a role. A summary is given of the 32 cases (34 individuals) reported on by the Department from 1993 to 1995, to illustrate the uniqueness of the local situation. Alternative methods of victim identification, such as skull-photo superimposition, need to be established. Bibliogr., sum. in Afrikaans and English.