Self-immolation is an uncommon method of suicide, and its occurrence in South Africa is thus far unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-immolation deaths and to establish a profile of these cases and the circumstances under which this condition occurs. A 5-year (1996-2000) retrospective review at a mortuary in Durban, South Africa, was conducted. Data were obtained from the Department of Forensic Medicine, the Medical Research Council's National Injury Mortality Surveillance System, and police and hospital records. During the study period, there were 12339 nonnatural deaths, of which 696 (5.6%) were suicides. Self-immolation accounted for 69 (0.6%) of all nonnatural deaths and 69 (9.9%) of all suicides. The subjects had a mean age of 31.2 years and were predominantly female (76.8%) and black (81.2%). The mean burn surface area was 63.3%, and the mean injury severity score was 36.9. Accelerant use was documented in 53 (76.8%) of cases, and paraffin was preferred. All cases occurred indoors. The proportion of suicides due to self-immolation in our study is excessive when compared with international studies that report figures between 0.9% and 2.2% of suicides. Additional studies are necessary to further elucidate the reasons for this discrepancy.

Laryngeal cysts are relatively uncommon and account for about five per cent of benign laryngeal lesions. The commonest location is the epiglottis. Pathologically these lesions may be divided into epithelial, tonsillar or oncocytic types. The patients may be asymptomatic or present with hoarseness, dysphagia, cough or airway obstruction. Epithelial cysts of the larynx, although histologically benign, may produce sudden and unexpected death from asphyxia. A case is presented of a 32-year-old female who was sexually assaulted and later found dead. Death was most likely due to laryngeal obstruction caused by an epiglottic cyst. Alcohol intoxication (BAC = 0.25g%) is likely to have been a contributory factor. In this case the results of the autopsy helped to exonerate the accused from being charged with murder. Other medico-legal problems that may be encountered with laryngeal cysts are difficulty in intubation and accidental rupture of a cyst during intubation or otolaryngeal examination.

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Aims-To investigate the immunohisto-