Col (ret'd) Marthinus T. du Toit
Forensic Document & Handwriting Expert · Gauteng
29+ years' experience in forensic document examination with the South African Police Service.
Forensic document examination · South Africa
Forensic Document and Handwriting Institute
Unlocking Truth, Protecting Integrity
Independent, court-ready examination of questioned documents, handwriting and signatures by two retired SAPS colonels with more than 64 years' combined experience.
64+ yearscombined SAPS forensic experience
ENFHEX · EDEWGassociate members
Peer reviewedevery examination and report
Gauteng · KZNnational & international work
What we examine
Specialist examination for every document question
Each instruction is assessed on its own facts, the material available and what a forensic examination can reliably answer.
Q1
Handwriting & Signature Examination
Is the signature genuine? Who wrote it? Comparison of questioned handwriting and signatures with known specimens.
Learn moreQ2
Forgery, Alterations & Obscured Writing
Detection of forgeries, erasures, additions and page substitution, and deciphering of obscured or overwritten entries.
Learn moreQ3
Indented Impressions (ESDA)
Recovery of invisible writing impressions left on pages underneath, using an Electrostatic Detection Apparatus.
Learn moreQ4
Printed Documents & Stamp Impressions
Examination of documents from printers, photocopiers and fax machines, and of rubber stamps and the instruments that made them.
Learn moreQ5
Currency & Security Features
Authentication of banknotes of all currencies and examination of paper-based security features such as microdots.
Learn moreQ6
Other document questions
Any other forensic document-related question falling within the recognised scope of forensic document examination. If you are unsure whether we can help, ask us.
Ask an expertHow it works
From first question to court-ready report
A clear, documented process protects the evidence and the integrity of the findings.
Tell us about the matter
Call, email or use the contact form. We will discuss the question and what material is needed.
Secure scan upload
Upload scans on our secure upload page for a first look at suitability, scope and cost.
Quotation & instruction
You receive a quotation. Originals are delivered under chain of custody once you instruct us.
Examination & report
The examination is documented, peer reviewed and reported clearly. We can testify if required.
Our experts
Decades of forensic casework, now independent
Both examiners spent their careers in forensic document examination with the South African Police Service: casework, expert testimony, case review, research and national training.
Col (ret'd) Marco C. van der Hammen
Forensic Document & Handwriting Expert · KwaZulu-Natal
35+ years' experience in forensic document examination with the South African Police Service.
Methodology & equipment
A structured process. A defensible result.
Examinations follow recognised standards and use specialised equipment, so that every conclusion can be explained, tested and defended.
- Relevant ISO standards and International Best Practice (IBP)
- Recognised, published industry standards for document examination
- Strict chain of custody for every item received
- Full documentation and imaging of findings
- Independent peer review and verification by a competent document examiner
- Transparent conclusions that state both strengths and limitations
Video Spectral Comparator (VSC 90)Infrared, ultraviolet and multi-spectral light to reveal alterations, erasures, differing inks and security features.
Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA)Non-destructive recovery of indented writing impressions that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Microscopy and forensic imagingMagnified examination of line quality, pen movement, printing processes and paper surfaces, fully photographed.
Specialised document equipmentOther instruments relevant to the specific questioned document problem.
Who we work with
Impartial expertise, whichever side instructs us
Legal practitioners
Attorneys and advocates in criminal, civil and estate matters.
Courts & government
Government departments, investigative and prosecuting authorities.
Banks & insurers
Disputed mandates, cheques, claims and policy documents.
Corporates & HR
Internal investigations, disciplinary matters and fraud.
Forensic auditors
Fraud investigators and forensic accounting teams.
Private clients
Wills, estates, property and family matters.
Training
Training & professional development
Workshops, seminars and in-house programmes for legal practitioners, investigators, auditors, banks and insurers, plus specialised training for document examiners.
View trainingLegal support
Support for legal practitioners
Pre-trial consultation, case strategy, interpretation of expert reports and preparation for cross-examination of document experts.
How we helpQuestions
Frequently asked questions
What does a forensic document examiner do?
A forensic document examiner scientifically examines documents whose authenticity, origin or history is in dispute. This includes identifying who wrote handwriting or a signature, detecting forgeries and alterations, recovering indented writing, and examining printing, stamps and security features. Findings are set out in a written report that can be used in court.
Can I send a scan before posting the original document?
Yes. You can upload high-resolution scans on our secure Submit Documents page for a first assessment and a quotation. Many examinations, especially of pen pressure, inks and indented writing, need the original document, and we will tell you if and when the originals are required.
How much does a handwriting or signature examination cost?
Fees depend on the number of documents, the specimens available and the questions to be answered. Work is charged at a professional hourly rate or by quotation, and a retainer may be required before work starts. Send us the details for a quotation.
Will the expert testify in court?
Yes. Our reports are prepared to evidential standards for criminal, civil, disciplinary and administrative proceedings, and our examiners can present and defend their findings as expert witnesses.
Do you only work in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal?
No. Our examiners are based in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, but we accept instructions from across South Africa, Africa and internationally, subject to jurisdictional requirements.
Is forensic handwriting examination the same as graphology?
No. Graphology claims to assess personality from handwriting and is not accepted as evidence in court. Forensic handwriting examination is a comparative, scientific discipline focused on identifying the writer and testing whether writing or a signature is genuine.
Every document has a story.
Tell us about the matter. We will advise on what is needed, what an examination can answer, and the likely cost.