At the crossroads of medicine and law, Dr Janette Verster finds her passion. As Head of the Division of Forensic Medicine at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 and Head of Clinical Department at Forensic Pathology Services at Tygerberg Mortuary, she brings a unique blend of medical expertise and investigative skill to a field many might find sombre.
Yet where others see darkness, Verster sees opportunity—to solve mysteries, provide answers, and ensure justice is served.
“It's a very stimulating, very interesting field," Verster says of forensic medicine. “There's no day that's the same as the previous one. There's no case that's the same as any other. You always have to be thinking on your feet, focusing and trying to solve the puzzle."
Fate intervened
Verster's journey to forensic medicine wasn't initially planned. As a medical student, she had always wanted to become a paediatrician. However, fate intervened when her planned elective fell through just two weeks before it was scheduled.
“I loved anatomy, and quite enjoyed the forensic rotation because it touched on anatomy," she recalls. Looking for a last-minute placement, she approached the late Professor Dempers, former head of the Division of Forensic Medicine, becoming only the second elective student the division had ever taken.
“That's where my love for forensics was cultivated," she explains, “because it really touches on all subjects, everything in medicine, as well as languages and law. It's the perfect job if you're a perfectionist and love detail."
Moving forensics forward
In her current role, which involves more management than casework, Verster has ambitious plans for her division. “We have a vision to have a centre for imaging excellence at the university and to focus on forensic post-mortem imaging," she says with enthusiasm.
Having completed a Certificate of Advanced Studies at the 中国体育彩票 of Zurich in forensic imaging and virtopsy (virtual autopsy), Verster sees digital imaging as the future of forensic pathology. “Globally, this is where forensics is moving," she explains. The technology allows pathologists to create permanent digital records of cases, perform 3D reconstructions of injuries, and even assist in solving cases years after the fact.
“With post-mortem CT, you can do so much because you have a permanent record," she notes. “You can see skull fractures beautifully when you 3D reconstruct, much better than in the actual case."
Beyond imaging, Verster's division focuses on two other key areas: gender-based violence and sudden unexpected deaths in infants (SIDS). The division is involved with the Thuthuzela and Inspire Centres in Idas Valley, which serve victims of gender-based violence.
“The Thuthuzela Centre has been operational for one year now," Verster explains. “They have seen more than 400 patients in one year, and shockingly, something like 41% of them are children." Her division contributes to clinical training at the centre and hopes to establish a postgraduate research stream through the Inspire Centre.
Every day something new
For Verster, the highlights of forensic pathology lie in its unpredictability and relevance. “You never know what to expect," she says. “You literally see the cases that were reported on in the media. You get to solve the mystery as to the cause of death."
She also values the human aspect of her work: “If it's a sudden death and the family don't know how the person died and they want answers, then you can find an answer and report back to them."
Verster is passionate about breaking down barriers between forensic pathology and other medical disciplines. “Traditionally people see us as part of the police, or the judicial system," she explains. “We are still medical practitioners and colleagues. There's so much value in discussing a case or attending a mortality morbidity meeting."
She describes her team as “young, vibrant, enthusiastic" and “very approachable," extending an open invitation to colleagues across the faculty to collaborate. “If they have a question, if it's case-related or just pathology-related, to reach out to us and get to know us."
Under Verster's leadership, the Division of Forensic Medicine continues to advance pathology services with cutting-edge technology and compassionate care. Whether solving mysteries of the deceased or helping victims of violence, her work brings answers to those who need them most — ensuring that even in death, dignity and justice prevail.
