Working with the dead

When Nokuthula Nkosi dons latex gloves, it is not to wash dishes, but rather to assist the pathologist to solving the mysteries of unnatural deaths.

The 41-year-old finds the inner workings of the human body extremely fascinating when she prepares a body for autopsy at the Roodepoort Forensic Pathology Services. However, she said there is more to just cutting open a body for examination. “You have to be  compassionate, loving and caring and never forget that there are family and friends who are grieving the loss of a loved one.”

Her love for biology and physical science at school lead her to want to know more about the human body and anatomy. “Although I didn’t understand forensics, I wanted to know how the cause of death is determined. If someone dies of unnatural causes, whether they were in an accident, on the operating table or were murdered, I wanted to know what the cause of death is,” said Nokuthula.

She explained there are no formal studying procedures in place, hands-on training is provided by the pathologist. “The Department of Health implemented an in-house training programme to those who are interested in becoming a forensic pathology officer.” The first time Nokuthula saw a body she admitted to being very scared. “The person’s eyes were open but I found myself fascinated of how everything in the body fits perfectly together. My first case was a pregnant woman who died in a motor vehicle accident and she was expecting twins. Despite the sadness surrounding the woman’s death, it was interesting to see how the twins lay in the womb,” she said.

“I have learned a lot about the human body and I am not scared of dead people, but as with any other job, there are negative and heart breaking times as well.” She said she doesn’t like it when she has to prepare a body of babies and children, especially if they are the same age as her children. “I always keep in mind that when the final results of the autopsy are revealed, it will bring peace and closure to the family. The sadness is not in vain because I am in the position to support the families emotionally.”

Nokuthula is also the health and safety officer at mortuary and said protective clothing is very important. “I have to ensure that the employees follow the right procedures especially if the body is infected with some decease such as the HI-virus.” She said she loves her job even though there are a stigma attached to being a woman and working with dead people. “This was a predominantly male orientated occupation and in my culture my people tend to think I am dirty.

Fortunately I have loads of support from my family because they understand what my job requires me to do, and that is helping the families of the dead to find peace.”

Apart from the in-house training, the right candidate would need a matric certificate and must have the right mind set to handle this job. There is currently a huge shortage of forensic officers. People who are interested in this occupational field can apply at the Department of Health. It is really satisfying,” Nokuthula said.

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