Forensic Toxicology Unit (FTU), Forensic Pathology Service (FPS), Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness (WCGHW)

Kathrina Hlela is a Forensic Toxicologist in the Forensic Toxicology Unit (FTU) within the UCT Division of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. Kathrina, or Kat, has been part of the FTU unit’s team since inception, following the completion of her MPhil in Biomedical Forensic Science (MBFS) with thesis focus in Forensic Toxicology. She completed her BSc in Biochemistry and Human Physiology, and her BSc Med Hons in Medical Biochemistry, both at UCT. With the aim to enhance her theoretical and practical research skills, Kat is currently undertaking a Master in Public Health (MPH) specialising in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. She is also actively involved in the Forensic Toxicology module component of the MBFS program offered by the Division.

Her current research areas revolve around the relationship between the presence/concentration of drugs, other toxicants, their metabolites, or other biomarkers of exposure, with respect to post-mortem forensic toxicology. Her most recent work involves alcohol, drugs and other substances in violent fatalities, and profiling toxicity in fire-related deaths. Kat is a member of the Toxicology Society of South Africa (TOXSA), South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), and The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT). Besides her work, Kat is a social butterfly and loves discovering new places. 

Office: 1.01.3 Falmouth Building, UCT FHS, Observatory 7945, Cape Town.