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B MEEL
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Profile of Victims of Rape in the Transkei Sub-Region of South Africa (2006-2014) B MEEL
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 14 No. 4 (2020): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Publisher : Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37506/ijfmt.v14i4.11557

Abstract

Background: Rape of a women is a serious public health problem in South Africa. It is a complex issue,but it become more complex when raped either elderly women or a baby. Objective: To study the profile ofvictimsof rape in the Transkei sub-region of South Africa (2006-2014).Method: This is retrospective descriptive study over a period of 16 years (2006-2014), carried out at SinaweThuthuzela Center (STC), Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa.Results: Between 2006 and 2014, 6699 cases of rape were recorded in the register of Sinawe-ThuthuzelaCenter. Of this, 3208 (47.88%) were children of the age of 16 and below. Majority 3048 (45.5%) of rape wereoutside of their home. Victim was known in 3418 (51%) of cases. Only 1064 (15.9%) sustained physicalinjury. Alcohol has contributed in 56.2% cases. Delayed (>72 hrs) reporting to STC were 2052 (30.6%). HIVpositive were found 1180 (17.6%) victims at the time of reporting to center.Conclusion:There is a high number of rape in the Transkei sub-region of South Africa. About half of themwere children under the age of 16 years. It needs urgent attention.
Child Homicide in the Mthatha region of South Africa of South Africa- Case Reports B Meel
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 14 No. 4 (2020): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Publisher : Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37506/ijfmt.v14i4.11558

Abstract

Background: Children are the most vulnerable members of society and susceptible to being victims ofcrime, although the problem is hardly recognized in society. The South African Children’s Act of 2005 is afine piece of law, but its implementation at ground level is a challenge. Long-term poverty in the majority ofhouseholds and high levels of crime are inherent risks to children’s well-being in this region.Objective: To highlight the problem of child homicide in the Mthatha region of South Africa.Case report: These case reports examine three incidents of children being killed by their caregivers. In thefirst case the child had multiple injuries to bones, with distorted extremities and fractured ribs. The secondwas an infant decapitated by her mother and thrown into a nearby river. The third, a five-year-old boy, waskilled by a gunshot injury to the head. The histories, postmortem findings, cause of death, medico-legalreports and the Child Protection Act of 2005 are discussed in this manuscript.Conclusion: Crime against children takes place in the Mthatha region of South Africa, despite the existenceof the Child Protection Act. This Act needs to be strictly implemented.
Poverty and non-natural deaths among former mineworkers and their families in Transkei region of South Africa B Meel
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 14 No. 4 (2020): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Publisher : Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37506/ijfmt.v14i4.11559

Abstract

Background: Thousands of ex-migrant mineworkers across the former Transkei have already passed onfrom natural causes, are disabled, or have died due to either mining-related diseases or in non-natural wayssuch as accidents, suicide or homicide. Many ex-mineworkers have died prematurely, placing a strain onfamilies.Case History: Eighty-four family records were analyzed. Of these, 21 (25%) were found to be those of formermineworkers and their immediate family members. There were five mineworkers, and 14 were children ofmineworkers. Only one was a spouse of a mineworker who had died unnaturally. Three mineworkers died asa result of firearm injuries, one was assaulted by a knobkerrie, and another one died as a result of alcoholicintoxication. Two of them had heavy drinking habits. Three mineworkers were unemployed. The causesof unnatural death were as follows: five were stabbed, two died from firearm injuries, one was killed ina motor vehicle accident, one was assaulted with a blunt object, and three committed suicide by hangingand poisoning. Most victims consumed alcohol. The history and psychosocial effects are discussed in thispresentation.
A case report on Shortfall in Pension in a Dual Employment in Health and Rural University, South Africa B Meel
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 14 No. 4 (2020): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Publisher : Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37506/ijfmt.v14i4.11561

Abstract

Background: Chances in dual employment are that an employee will be exploited by an employer not onlyin terms of salary, but also in terms of pension. The exploited an employee use to do double work, less salaryand pension The question is, who will take responsibility if this happens? The primary health employer indual employment must take responsibility for safeguarding an employee’s pension in this case.Objective: To describe and calculate pension in dual employment from 1996 to 2018.Results: Mr BM was employed by the DOH in the government, where 5% of his salary was deducted from1996 to 1999 to be paid into a public investment fund (GEPF). He was appointed as head of department(HOD) at the rural University in February 1996, but was kept on the payroll of the health, as he was workingin the joint establishment. He was shifted from health to university payroll in 2001. This was only a shiftof payroll, not the amount of work remained same before and after this. When Mr BM retired in September2018, his pension was calculated from 2001, instead of 1996. His salary was also reduced by half by thesecond employer (university). This dual employment has complicated Mr BM salary as well pension andhas described in this manuscript.Conclusion: This double jeopardy of losses by first and second employer must be calculated so that thepension and salary can be paid appropriately from 1996 to 2018. It is primarily the responsibility of theDepartment of Health as a first entry point employer.
Complexity of Dual Employment in Department of Health and university, South Africa B Meel
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 14 No. 4 (2020): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Publisher : Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37506/ijfmt.v14i4.11562

Abstract

Background: Dual employment was inherited from the Transkei government, which ruled that all doctorswho worked in hospitals also had to work in the medical school of the rural University. Policies at thisuniversity are inadequate, and where they do exist their implementation is discriminatory in nature.Case history: Mr. BM joined the Department of Health as a medical officer and was subsequently appointedas an acting head of department in the Department. He had to work in the health care system as well as atthe university full-time (Joint establishment); he was working on his own in his department. He was paid asa medical officer by the health but received no remuneration from university. This was contrary to labor lawand University policy and once the council realized this, a resolution was taken granting him back payment.Unfortunately, it was not implemented.Mr. BM was working against the post of professor and acting head and carried out all the responsibilitiesof that post without being remunerated. Although he was paid at the occupational-specific dispensation(OSD) scale in 2009, it was not adjusted till his retirement in 2018; therefore it affected his pension as well.The case history, short payment in salary, and unfair labor practice in respect of his dual employment arediscussed in this manuscript.Conclusion: The DOH must take responsibility in his dual employment for this shortfall in salary, as it isthe source of major funding.
A Case Report on an Estimation of Financial Damage Occurring at A Rural University, South Africa B Meel
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 14 No. 4 (2020): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Publisher : Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37506/ijfmt.v14i4.12300

Abstract

Background: Universities are power houses that generate new knowledge by carrying out research all overthe world. Professors are promoted, appreciated and awarded as the academics who conduct research atuniversities. This did not happen in the case of Mr BM, who was humiliated and punished for his researchactivity.Case History: Mr BM was excited by the prospect of carrying out research when he joined the university in1996. He used his time and money in research and trying to find a gap in the lack of knowledge that he couldclose through his work. He was quite on his own in his department without even a secretary yet managed tofind time for research either after hours or during holidays. Between 2001 and 2018, he published more than100articles in around 25 different peer-reviewed journals. Mr BM boosted the good name of the university,but in exchange for it, he received three disciplinary enquiries, two suspensions and a forensic audit. Allwere intended to discredit him and to stop his research activity. The most painful was to cause him financialloss by decreasing his monthly salary. The history of damage and its results are discussed in this report.Conclusion: Heavy financial loss was caused by the persistent disciplinary enquiries at the university. Theextent could only be estimated by an actuarial consultant. The Ministry of Higher Education must take noteof it.
Estimation of Shortfall in Salary from 1996 to 2018 from Health and University, South Africa B Meel
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 14 No. 4 (2020): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Publisher : Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37506/ijfmt.v14i4.12301

Abstract

Background: Professional jealousy is known to be rife among academics in various universities, but hardlyreduces their salaries. The productive staff is generally protected from external as well as internal threats bythe higher management of the university, but this did not happen in the case of Mr. BM.Case history: Mr. BM was appointed as acting head of department, a medical officer against the post ofprofessor and head of forensic medicine. He was not paid according to the University’s conditions of servicepolicy document. This was ignored by Human Resource department despite a resolution of the council. Mr.BM kept on receiving low salary to which he was entitled until his retirement after almost 20 years (1996-2018). This brought him close to financial ruin, as his pension was consequently also reduced by half.The estimated salary shortfall could be calculated, but the pain and suffering caused by three disciplinaryenquiries and suspension are difficult to assess without the help of an actuarial consultant.Conclusion: The shortfall in salary must be paid by the health, which is the major (80%) funder of his salaryin a dual employment. This shortfall entailed differences in payment of basic salary as well as allowancesbetween 1996 and 2018.
An Opinion based on the Autopsy Report on the Manner of Death by a Gunshot Injury: Concealed Murder or Accidental B Meel
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 14 No. 4 (2020): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Publisher : Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37506/ijfmt.v14i4.12329

Abstract

Background: Most of the forensic pathologist limited themselves to give a cause of death in a case offirearm death without taking any history. It neither help to the next of kin nor were the judiciary, as a resultof it the chances of misdirected investigation are high, and therefore miscarried justice also high.Objective: To high light the manner of death in a case of gunshot injury.Method: A post mortem report and a brief history provided by a private agency to give an opinion on themanner of death.Case history: Mr. A was died in a pistol gunshot injury by his colleague while on duty. The case historynarrated that the gun was accidently fired during unloading by Mr. O. The intention of firing has to bedetermined. The cause of death was given by pathologist but no opinion on manner of death which wascrucial to give in this case. The history, findings of postmortem report and manner of death has discussed inthis report.Conclusion: The manner of death is a concealed murder, warrants an investigation by a higher investigativeagency such as Central Bauru of Investigation.
Male Children Sexual Abuse in the Transkei Region of South Africa B Meel
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 16 No. 1 (2022): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Publisher : Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37506/ijfmt.v16i1.17707

Abstract

Background: Reporting of male-to-male sexual abuse is associated with stigma and discrimination. It is not only trauma to a child but also to a family. It is under researched and under estimated in a community. Even when abused children have grown up and become adults the abuse remains a painful secret in their lives. This scar of child sexual abuse stays for a life time. It also fuels the spread of HIV/AIDS in society. Objective: To study the sexual abuse among male children in the Transkei region of South Africa. Method: This is a retrospective study, carried out between 2007 and 2011 at the Sinawe Centre of Mthatha General Hospital, Mthatha, South Africa. Results: There were 38 cases of male child sexual abuse (MCSA) reported between 2007 and 2011. There was only 1 case reported in 2007, 3 in 2008, 6 in 2009, 10 in 2010 and 18 in the year 2011. Of these, 3 (7.9%) were 5 years old, 17 (44.7%) were 10 or less years, and 9 (23.7%) were between the age of 11 and 15 years of age. Of the perpetrators 20 (52.6%) were known to the victims, 16 (42.1%) were unknown 2 (5.2%) were family member of the victims. There was delay in reporting. Genital injuries were observed in 8 (21%) cases, and physical injury in only 2 (5.2%) cases. All the victims were HIV negative and post-exposure prophylaxis compliant. Conclusion: There is an increasing trend of male children sexual abuse in the Transkei region of South Africa. It requires urgent attention by the law enforcement authorities
An Experience on Facts about Teaching Forensic Medicine to Undergraduate Medical Students in South Africa B Meel
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 16 No. 1 (2022): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Publisher : Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37506/ijfmt.v16i1.17708

Abstract

South Africa is struggling with an enormous amount of forensic pathology services because there is an extreme pressure on forensic pathologists to deal with the high number of medicolegal autopsies in the country. There are only five dozen forensic pathologists in South Africa who have to handle at least 80 000 autopsies per year. Medical officers, who have only received training as undergraduates in medical school, are expected to conduct these autopsies. Therefore, undergraduate teaching and training must be strong enough so that these young graduates can handle cases without any compromise in the quality of the outcome.This report is going to highlight the necessity of teaching forensic medicine at undergraduate level in South African medical schools. It will also discuss the shortcomings in medical school teaching programmes.
Co-Authors Kaswa RP