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Bl Meel
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Sudden Deaths in Mthatha Area of South Africa Bl 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.v14i4.12328

Abstract

Background: A sudden unexpected death in South Africa is considered an unnatural death, and requiresan autopsy to determine the cause of death. These deaths were classified under a vague term, collapse, byinvestigating officers and relatives of the deceased.Objectives: To assess the incidence of sudden deaths in Mthatha.Method: This is a record review from 1993 to 2004 of the medico legal autopsies in Umtata GeneralHospital (UGH). All cases of unnatural deaths are brought by police to UGH mortuary.Results: Four hundred and thirteen cases of sudden deaths were recorded over a period of 12 years (1993-2004) with an average of 11 deaths/100 000 population. The highest (22.7/100 000) was recorded in 1997,and the lowest (4.5/100 000) in 1996. Males outnumbered females 3.2:1. The commonest age group involvedis between 31 and 40 years. The commonest underlying cause of death is pneumonia.Conclusion: There is an increasing trend of sudden deaths in the population in Mthatha and it is mostprevalent among males between 31 and 40 years.
Prevalence of Myths and False Beliefs Regarding HIV/AIDS among Xhosa Community in the Transkei Region of South Africa BL 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.v14i4.12332

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is one of the main challenges facing South Africa today. It is estimated that of the 39.5 millionpeople living with HIV worldwide in 2006, more than 63% were from sub-Saharan Africa. In 2005, about5.54 million people were estimated to be living with HIV in South Africa, with 18.8% of the adult population(15-49 years) and about 12% of the general population affected.1Prevention of HIV infection has to be tackled in various ways, not just to recommend condom use andcircumcision. There are several cultural and social factors associated with spread of HIV infection. Thereis a general belief that illness (HIV/AIDS) and other bad occurrences are related to witchcraft. The illnessis difficult for them to believe and to be explained. Infections like HIV cannot be explained to ordinaryrural people and therefore there is a strong belief in witchcraft. People believe that HIV/AIDS is relatedto witchcraft, and could be managed by traditional healers. Poor people are less educated and thereforemore ignorant about their illnesses. Most of young deaths where the deceased is sick from a long time werelabeled as “Isidliso” otherwise called “black poison”. Almost everybody who is suffering from HIV/AIDShas been taken to a traditional healer before been taken to medical practitioner in town. The widespread rapeand forced sexual abuse of children is a serious social and health issue. There are several motives behind thisunsocial and unhealthy epidemic, but the most dangerous is the strong belief in a myth of achieving a curefor a person’s HIV/AIDS through sexual intercourse with a virgin.
A case report on alcohol and crime in the Transkei region of South Africa BL 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.v16i1.17719

Abstract

Background: Alcohol and crime are two-in-one, inseparable from each other as most of the crime in South Africa is carried out under the influence of alcohol. Many deaths as well in South Africa are attributed to alcohol consumption but, despite that, alcohol is available everywhere in country. Objective: To highlight the problem of alcohol and crime in the Transkei region of South Africa. Method: This case study is based on the case report histories which were obtained from the Mthatha Forensic Pathology Laboratory. Results: These are ten cases that provide examples of alcohol related deaths. All these deaths were caused by stabbing (except one) where the perpetrator or victim or both were intoxicated. The primary underlying cause of these fight was either money or girlfriends. The history, culture and circumstances of these deaths are discussed in this manuscript. Conclusion: Alcohol is a major cause of crime in the Transkei region of South Africa.
Why Do Women Not to Go for Abortion in a Designated Legal Abortion Facility in Transkei Region of South Africa? BL 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.v16i1.17720

Abstract

Background: The implementation of choice arising from the Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1996 (Act 92 of 1996) is a challenge in South Africa as there are many abortions that are still carried out by illegal abortionists in the Transkei region. This raises the serious question as to why the women do not prefer to go instead to a designated legal abortion clinic which carries out safe abortions in South Africa.Objective: To study the underlying factors which prevent women from going for an abortion to designated legal abortion facilities.Method: This qualitative research was carried out by medical students who visited both the legal and illegal facilities in Mthatha in 2015 for their assignment during the rotation of their subject of speciality.Result: The legal clinics are not user-friendly, the staff misbehave with the girls, they cast doubt on their confidentiality, and they take a long time to do the abortions, while the illegal abortionists charge money for their services but they are quick and keep confidentiality.Conclusion: Legal abortion clinics are not user friendly.
A case Report on the Estimation of Contractual Damage Caused by a Health and Rural University, South Africa BL 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.v16i1.17722

Abstract

Background: Contractual claims are mandatory for an employee who has either resigned/died or finished his or her contractual obligations. It is legally binding to an institution according to labor law. Case History: BM was such a victim who has been admired nationally and internationally but dehumanized in his own university through the process of three malicious disciplinary enquiries, two suspensions, forensic auditing, and stoppage of salary and birthday bonus. He was not allowed to go to the forensic pathology laboratory despite of the fact that he was all along a forensic pathologist. The harassment of BM became more rigorous in 2008, although he was victim long before that. The head of faculty was promoted later to a position of a university head. BM had an interest in research so he was publishing prolifically, but that disturbed the balance of the faculty staff as the rest of them contributed very little as per the report of the external assessor.1The harassment was not limited only to mental harassment but also at the same time financial losses to Mr. BM occurred. The Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD) scale is supposed to be given to every health professional in South Africa who is working in the public sector and registered in Health Professions Council. The OSD scale started in 2009 but was not implemented for Mr. BM. Instead, Mr. BM, underwent a series of disciplinary enquiries. He was cleared all the charges and retired in 2018. The history of his research, contractual damages and other collateral losses are discussed in this report. Conclusion: There is heavy contractual damage which the Department of health and rural university has to pay from 1996 to 2018. This damage refers mainly to the short fall of salary and bonuses along with financial losses related to research.
A Case Report on a Dead Man Walking in a Rural University of South Africa BL MEEL
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 16 No. 3 (2022): Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
Publisher : Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37506/ijfmt.v16i3.18239

Abstract

Background: Abuse of power in rural universitiesis less visible to the public but widely prevalent.Myriad formsofcorruption are prevalent in the rural university concerned. Productive staff is generallyappreciated and awarded inmost universities but in this rural university, they get punished, terminated, or subjected to disciplinary inquiries.Objective: To report on the abuse of power and difficultiesof an academic in a rural university of south Africa.Case History: X was an employee of the department of health and affiliated with the local University in a dualsystem of employment where he has served the university for over two decades (1996 to 2018). He underwentpersistent harassment, bullying,and dehumanization in his early period of employment. It progressively evolvedtoa more serious form with disciplinary inquiries, suspension, stoppage of salary, and birthday bonus. Themanagers of this rural university tried hard repeatedly to carry out constructive termination but failed. Mr. Xretired after his completion of age 65 with respect and appreciation. The history, duration, and different designs ofabuse of power havebeen described in this report.Conclusion: It isguilty, to be honest, and hardworking in a rural university in South Africa as it functions like asecretive society.
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