Finding Makhubu: A Morphological Forensic Facial Comparison
April 2018
in “
Forensic Science International
”
TLDR The study could not confirm if Victor Vinnetou was Mbuyisa Makhubu and suggested more evidence, like DNA tests, is needed.
The 2018 study investigated the identity of Victor Vinnetou to determine if he was Mbuyisa Makhubu, a figure missing since 1978, using morphological forensic facial comparison (FFC). The FFC, which adhered to guidelines from FISWG and SAPS, found 15 similarities and 6 differences between images of Makhubu and Vinnetou. Despite these findings, the study concluded that the comparison was inconclusive due to the moderate number of significant similarities, visible differences, and challenges such as image quality and aging effects. The researchers recommended additional evidence, including DNA analysis and verification of a distinctive birthmark, to strengthen the investigation. The study highlighted the limitations of FFC, including the lack of objective standards for facial matching and the difficulties in identifying unfamiliar faces, emphasizing the need for peer review to reduce bias.
