This invitation is open to all Clinical Forensic Examiners (Medical Officers and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners), nurses who assist in the Clinical Forensic and Thuthuzela units, SAPS (especially Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit staff), interested NPA staff and relevant NGO staff.
Archive for the ‘Forensic Career’ Category
Interactive Lecture: Explanation of the new SAECK (Sexual Assualt Evidence Collection Kit) and the Buccal reference Sample Kit
Wednesday, January 18th, 2012
SPEAKER: Colonel Kok (SAPS Forensic Sciences laboratory – Delft)
Groundbreaking New Training Program Developed
Monday, August 15th, 2011
DNA Project Team
Members of the DNA Project gathered together in Cape Town last month for the 2nd Annual DNA Project’s Trainers Workshop. The objective of this year’s workshop was to critically assess the DNA Awareness Campaign we have been running for the past year to identify whether any changes or improvements needed to be made to the programme, based on the field experience of our Trainers who have been hosting workshops throughout South Africa.
The second and more exciting reason for the gathering was to ‘brainstorm’ around the development of the innovative new ‘Train the Trainer’ program which the DNA Project wants to initiate as phase two of its DNA Awareness Campaign.
Currently, the way in which we have been disseminating DNA Awareness to the private security sector, guarding services, emergency services, community police forums, the justice system and general public, has been through directly contacting these sectors of the community and offering to host free DNA Awareness workshops at their respective premises. We believe, however, that a more effective approach to ensure DNA Awareness training would be to introduce DNA Awareness training at Trainer level, which enables those organisations which conduct their own training to provide ongoing DNA Awareness training at their premises at their own convenience. We believe that by including DNA Awareness training as part of their basic crime scene management training, it will ensure that they are comprehensively taught about the value of crime scene preservation. In addition, no matter what the turnover of staff is within a company, each new employee will automatically receive DNA Awareness training at entry level. By creating DNA Awareness as an industry standard, these sectors of the community will be able to offer this as an added value service to their existing protocols.
In other words, instead of ‘fishing’ for the community we would like to teach these sectors how to ‘fish for themselves’.
How will a Train the Trainer workshop differ from our basic DNA Awareness Workshop we currently offer?
The Train the Trainer workshop will consist of a full day’s training, whereby an instructor from the DNA Project will impart the basics of the science behind DNA forensics and crime scene preservation. These Train the Trainer workshops, as with the DNA Awareness workshops, will be sponsored by the DNA Project and thus will be free of charge.
Course Outline
- A simple summary of DNA, the techniques of DNA profiling and the benefits of a National DNA Criminal Intelligence Database in crime investigation.
- The responsibilities of the First Officer attending the crime scene with potential DNA evidence will be covered.
- The Trainers will be taught how to identify the potential sources, locations and limitations of DNA evidence so that they can pass on this valuable information to Trainees during crime scene training.
- An overview of the correct handling and packaging of samples from crime scenes, suspects and complainants and who should be doing what.
- Trainees will be provided with information relating to the legislation that regulates the use of DNA as an evidential tool.
- The Trainees will briefed as to what actually happens in a South African Forensic Lab and how much of “CSI” is fact and what is fiction.
- The central message of our DNA Awareness Campaign will be covered, and the reasons why these six steps are so important will be explored , namely:
“DNA CSI”
D = DON’T TOUCH
N= NOTE & RECORD
A = ASSIST OTHER OFFICERS
C = COMFORT & SUPPORT VICTIMS
S = SECURE THE CRIME SCENE
I = INSIST NO-ONE INTERFERES
For more information, or if you interested in attending a Train the Trainer workshop or DNA Awareness workshop, please contact Maya Moodley at the DNA Project on maya@dnaproject.co.za or tel (021) 418 0647.
Exciting New Job Opportunities being offered at Forensic Science Labs throughout SA
Wednesday, August 10th, 2011
We are very excited to report that the Forensic Science Laboratory is currently looking for forensic analysts to fill over 150 new posts throughout SA. There are posts being offered in the Biology (DNA) Unit, Chemistry Unit as well as in Ballistics.
The generic minimum requirements applicable to all posts are as follows:
The generic minimum requirements applicable to all posts are as follows:
• Competence in the post-specific core functions of the advertised post
• Senior Certificate (Grade 12) and a relevant degree or diploma applicable to the specific post (NQF6), as specified below at each post
• Computer literate
• Valid motor vehicle driver’s licence is an advantage
• Fluent in at least two of the official languages, of which one must be English
• The posts are appointments in terms of the South African Police Service Act of 1995
• Recommended applicants will be subjected to a medical examination, before the appointment will be finally approved
• All successful candidates will undergo basic Police training and relevant specialised training in the field of application for a period that will be determined by the National Commissioner
• All applicants will be subjected to a vetting and relevant screening process
• Successful applicants may, upon appointment and completion of their training, be expected from time to time depending on the needs of the organisation to work flexi hours or shifts in the execution of their duties.
The closing date for applications is the 19 August 2011. Please also take note of the ***Important General Information posted below. If you are interested or know someone who may be interested in applying for a post at the FSL, please pass on this information.
Below please find details of the posts being offered or click here to view the original job advertisement.:
Forensic Science Laboratory
Forensic Analysts – DNA (Biology Unit) (76 Posts)
Western Cape (35 posts) (Ref. FS 155/2011) • KwaZulu-Natal (13 posts) (Ref. FS156/2011) • Pretoria (16) (Ref. FS 157/2011) • Eastern Cape (12 posts) (Ref. FS158/2011)
Section: Biology Component: Forensic Science Laboratory
Salary level: Band B1 Notch 3: R174 264 per annum
Core functions: Analyse biological material up to the level of evidence processing or analysis of DNA results • Submit reports regarding analysis performed • Present expert testimony in court.
Additional requirements: Degree/National Diploma in the Natural Sciences majoring in one or more of the following: Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biotechnology, Medical Science/Technology, Molecular Biology and Physiology.
Forensic Analysts – Chemistry Unit (18 Posts)
Western Cape (8) (Ref. FS159/2011) • KwaZulu-Natal (2) (Ref. FS160/2011) • Pretoria (6) (Ref. FS161/2011) • Eastern Cape (2) (Ref.FS162/2011)
Section: Chemistry Sub-section: Drugs/Toxicology Component: Forensic Science Laboratory
Salary level: Band B1 Notch 3: R174 264 per annum
Core functions: Examine exhibit material of drug-related cases and toxicology cases, including the issuing of reports on relevant findings • Render expert evidence in court • Maintain the FSL Quality • Management System • Maintain instrumentation • Perform general administrative duties related to casework.
Additional requirements: BSc degree (majors: Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry/Organic Chemistry/Applied Chemistry/Pure and Applied Chemistry), or a National Diploma • BTech in Analytical Chemistry.
Forensic Analysts – Chemistry Unit (17 Posts)
Western Cape (5) (Ref. FS163/2011) • KwaZulu-Natal (4) (Ref. FS164/2011) • Pretoria (6) (Ref. FS 165/2011) • Eastern Cape (2) (Ref. FS166 /2011)
Section: Chemistry Sub-section: Fire Component: Forensic Science Laboratory Salary level: Band B1 Notch 3: R174 264 per annum
Core functions: Perform forensic crime scene investigations, mainly fire scene investigation and forensic analysis of exhibit material, including the issuing of reports on relevant findings • Render expert evidence in court • Maintain the FSL Quality Management System • Maintain instrumentation • Perform general administrative duties related to casework.
Additional requirements: BSc degree (majors: Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry/Organic Chemistry/Applied Chemistry/Pure and Applied Chemistry), or a National Diploma • BTech in Analytical Chemistry.
Assistant Engineers – Ballistics (6 Posts)
Western Cape (2) (Ref. FS167 /2011) • Pretoria (4) (Ref. FS168 /2011) Section: Ballistics Sub-section: Mechanical Engineering Component: Forensic Science Laboratory Salary level: Band B1 Notch 3: R174 264 per annum
Core functions: Render an effective and efficient mechanical and metallurgical engineering examination service to all investigators of crime • Administer the engineering case file assigned to the forensic analyst • Investigate crime scenes • Present testimony in court • Perform failure analysis on metallurgical samples • Investigate vehicle accidents • Support engineering investigations into vehicle theft crimes.
Additional requirements: BEng: Metallurgy and Mechanical Engineering or National Diploma/B Tech in Metallurgy and Mechanical Engineering • Registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa would be an added advantage.
Forensic Analysts – Ballistics (10 Posts)
Western Cape (3) (Ref. FS169/2011) • Pretoria (3) (Ref. FS 170/2011) • KwaZulu-Natal (4) (Ref. FS171/2011) Section: Ballistics Component: Forensic Science Laboratory Salary level: Band B1 Notch 3: R174 264 per annum
Core functions: Examine ballistic-related cases, including identification and analysis of firearms, tool mark analysis, bite mark analysis, wound ballistics and the establishment of the IBIS database • Investigate and reconstruct ballistic-related crime scenes • Submit reports regarding analyses performed • Present expert testimony in court • Perform general administrative duties related to casework.
Additional requirements: Degree/National Diploma majoring in one or more of the following: Forensic Investigation/Science, Criminalistics, Police Science, Armourer, Criminology, Police Administration, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Law of Evidence, Medical Technology, Medical Science, Physics, Chemistry – Analytical/Pure and Applied, Computer Science, Mathematical Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Metallurgy.
Forensic Analysts – Questioned Documents (10 Posts)
Western Cape (2) (Ref. FS172/2011) • Pretoria (2) (Ref. FS173 /2011) • KwaZulu-Natal (3) (Ref. FS174 /2011) • Eastern Cape (3) (Ref. FS 175/2011) Section: Questioned Documents Component: Forensic Science Laboratory Salary level: Band B1 Notch 3: R174 264 per annum
Core functions: Examine questioned document cases, including ink analysis, handwriting analysis, bank notes, identification and travel documentation as well as credit card analysis. • Establishment of questioned documents database. • Conduct questioned documents-related research. • Present expert testimony in court • Submit reports regarding analysis performed • Perform general administrative duties related to casework.
Additional requirements: National Diploma majoring in one or more of the following: Policing, Police Administration, Police Science • BA/BIuries/BProc/LLB or diploma in Chemistry • BA or BA (Hons) specialising in Criminology.
Forensic Analysts – Scientific Analysis (2 Posts)
Pretoria (Image) Section: Scientific Analysis Component: Forensic Science Laboratory Salary level: Band B1 Notch 3: R174 264 per annum (Ref. FS176/2011)
Core functions: Conduct forensic analysis of CCTV material • Present testimony in court • Attend crime scene • Research, develop and validate procedures • Perform general administrative duties related to casework.
Additional requirements: National Diploma/B Tech in one or more of the following: Fine Arts/Graphic Design with Photography as a subject, Multimedia or Photography • Proven and demonstrable experience in Adobe Premium.
Forensic Analysts – Scientific Analysis (2 Posts)
Pretoria (Material Analysis)
Section: Scientific Analysis Component: Forensic Science Laboratory Salary level: Band B1 Notch 3: R174 264 per annum (Ref. FS 177/2011)
Core functions: Conduct scientific analysis and examine cases, mainly environmental and/or geological, including precious metals and soil analysis • Present expert testimony in court • Submit reports regarding analyses performed • Examine the crime scene • Maintain and calibrate instruments • Perform general administrative duties related to casework.
Additional requirements: Degree majoring in one or more of the following: Analytical Chemistry or Geology with a minimum of three years’ experience in an analytical laboratory • Proven and demonstrable experience in one or more of statistics, microscopy, mineralogy, gemology and analytical chemistry will be an added advantage.
Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management
Forensic Analyst: Laboratory Technicians
• Eastern Cape: * Cradock (2) (Ref. FS 178/2011) * Grahamstown (2) (Ref. FS 179/2011) * Fort Beaufort (1) (Ref. FS 180/2011) * Jeffreys Bay (1) (Ref. FS 181/2011) * King William’s Town (2) (Ref. FS 182/2011) * Middelburg (2) (Ref. FS 183/2011) * Port Alfred (2) (Ref. FS 184/2011) * Mount Road (PE) (1) (Ref. FS 185/2011) * Queenstown (1) (Ref. FS 186/2011) * Uitenhage (1) (Ref. FS 187/2011) * Province Task Team (5) (Ref. FS 188/2011) * Mthatha (1) (Ref. FS 189/2011) • Free State: * Welkom (2) (Ref. FS 190/2011) * Parkweg (Bloemfontein) (1) (Ref. FS 191/2011) * Bethlehem (2) (Ref. FS 192/2011) * Kroonstad (1) (Ref. FS 193/2011) * Puthaditjhaba(1) (Ref. FS 194/2011) * Selosesha (1) (Ref. FS 195/2011) * Sasolburg (2) (Ref. FS 196/2011) • Gauteng: * Joburg Central (1) (Ref. FS 197/2011) * Krugersdorp (1) (Ref. FS 198/2011) * Pretoria Central (1) (Ref. FS 199/2011) * Protea Glen (1) (Ref. FS 200/2011) * Kempton Park (1) (Ref. FS 201/2011) * Sandton (2) (Ref. FS 202/2011) * Pretoria North (1) (Ref. FS 203/2011) * Vereeniging (1) (Ref. FS 204/2011) • Lyttelton (1) (Ref. FS 205/2011) * Springs (1) (Ref. FS 206/2011) * Garankuwa (1) (Ref. FS 207/2011) • KwaZulu-Natal: * Ladysmith (1) (Ref. FS 208/2011) * Vryheid (1) (Ref. FS 209/2011) * Mtubatuba (2) (Ref. FS 210/2011) * Newcastle (1) (Ref. FS 211/2011) * Kokstad (1) (Ref. FS 212/2011) * Pietermaritzburg (1) (Ref. FS 213/2011) • Limpopo: * Lephalale (1) (Ref. FS 214/2011) * Modimolle (1) (Ref. FS 215/2011) * Lebowakgomo (1) (Ref. FS 216/2011) * Thabazimbi (1) (Ref. FS 217/2011) * Thohoyandou (1) (Ref. FS 218/2011) * Musina (1) (Ref. FS 219/2011) * Polokwane (1) (Ref. FS 220/2011) • Mpumalanga: * Ermelo (1) (Ref. FS 221/2011) * Acornhoek (1) (Ref. FS 222/2011) * Witbank (1) (Ref. FS 223/2011) * Lydenburg (1) (Ref. FS 224/2011) * Secunda (1) (Ref. FS 225/2011) * Nelspruit (1) (Ref. FS 226/2011) * Elukwatini (2) (Ref. FS 227/2011) • North West: * Brits (1) (Ref. FS 228/2011) * Klerksdorp (1) (Ref. FS 229/2011) * Lichtenburg (1) (Ref. FS 230/2011) * Mmabatho (1) (Ref. FS 231/2011) * Potchefstroom (2) (Ref. FS 232/2011) * Rustenburg (1) (Ref. FS 233/20110 * Vryburg (2) (Ref. FS 234/2011) • Northern Cape: * De Aar (1) (Ref. FS 235/2011) * Upington (1) (Ref. FS 236/2011) * Springbok (1) (Ref. FS 237/2011) * Kimberley (1) (Ref. FS 238/2011) * Kuruman (1) (Ref. FS 239/2011) • Western Cape: * Cape Town Central (1) (Ref. FS 240/2011) * Mitchells Plain (1) (Ref. FS 241/2011) * Bellville (1) (Ref. FS 242/2011) * Worcester (1) (Ref. FS 243/2011) * Beaufort West (1) (Ref. FS 244/2011) * George (1) (Ref. FS 245/2011) * Somerset West (1) (Ref. FS 246/2011) * Paarl (1) (Ref. FS 247/2011) * Vredendal (1) (Ref. FS 248/2011) • National Crime Scene Management: Pretoria (2) (Ref. FS 249/2011)
Salary level: Band B1 Notch 3: R174 264 per annum
Core functions: Process evidence/exhibits in the LCRC Laboratory • Adhere to procedures for receiving and processing evidence for fingerprints • Attend to crime scenes on request for the development and capturing of fingerprints on immovable items by means of specialised scientific equipment • Adhere to procedures for capturing and recording of the results of fingerprints and related examinations and represent evidence in court of law • Maintain the LCRC Laboratory facility and equipment according to the prescribed standards, whilst adhering to the guidelines of the Safety, Health and Environment Regulations • Maintain a quality control system in the LCRC Laboratory.
Requirements: Degree/National Diploma in Natural Science/Forensic Investigations/Criminalistic/Criminology or any NQF 6 qualifications relevant to Laboratory environment.
Forensic Analyst (Crime Scene Management)
• Eastern Cape: * Grahamstown (2) (Ref. FS 250/2011) * Maluti (2) (Ref. FS 251/2011) * Elliot (2) (Ref. FS 252/2011) * Butterworth (2) (Ref. FS 253/2011) * Fort Beaufort (2) (Ref. FS 254/2011) * Graaff-Reinett (2) (Ref. FS 255/2011) Middelburg (2) * East London (2) (Ref. FS 256/2011) * (Ref. FS 257/2011) * Mount Road (4) (Ref. FS 258/2011) * Jeffreys Bay (2) (Ref. FS 259/2011) * Provincial Task Team (5) (Ref. FS 260/2011) • Free State: * Welkom (4) (Ref. FS 261/2011) * Parkweg (6)(Ref. FS 262/2011) * Bethlehem (3) (Ref. FS 263/2011) * Kroonstad (3) (Ref. FS 264/2011) * Phuthaditjhaba (2)(Ref. FS 265/2011) * Selosesha (3) (Ref. FS 266/2011) * Sasolburg (2) (Ref. FS 267/2011) • Gauteng: * Johannesburg Central (3) (Ref. FS 268/201) * Krugersdorp (2) (Ref. FS 269/2011) * Pretoria Central (2) (Ref. FS 270/2011) * Protea Glen (2) (Ref. FS 271/2011) * Kempton Park (2) (Ref. FS 272/2011) * Sandton (2) (Ref. FS 273/2011) * Pretoria North (3) (Ref. FS 274/2011) * Vereeniging (2) (Ref. FS 275/2011) * Lyttelton (2) (Ref. FS 276/2011) * Springs (2) (Ref. FS 277/2011) * Garankuwa (2) (Ref. FS 278/2011) * Germiston (2) (Ref. FS 279/2011) • North West: * Brits (2) (Ref. FS 280/2011) * Klerksdorp (3)(Ref. FS 281/2011) * Lichtenburg (2) (Ref. FS 282/2011) * Mmabatho (3)(Ref. FS 283/2011) * Pudimoe (2) (Ref. FS 284/2011) * Zeerust (3) (Ref. FS 285/2011) * Potchefstroom (3) (Ref. FS 286/2011) * Rustenburg (3) (Ref. FS 287/2011) * Vryburg (2) (Ref. FS 288/2011) • Northern Cape: * De Aar (9) (Ref. FS 289/2011) * Upington (4) (Ref. FS 290/2011) * Springbok (7) (Ref. FS 291/2011) * Kimberley (6) (Ref. FS 292/2011) * Kuruman (4) (Ref. FS 293/2011) • Western Cape: * Provincial Task Team (6) (Ref. FS 294/2011) * Mitchells Plain (3) (Ref. FS 295/2011) * Bellville (3) (Ref. FS 296/2011) * Worcester (3) (Ref. FS 297/2011) * George (3) (Ref. FS 298/2011) * Somerset West (3) (Ref. FS 299/2011) * Paarl (2) (Ref. FS 300/2011) * Oudtshoorn (3) (Ref. FS 301/2011) • KwaZulu-Natal: * Ladysmith (2) (Ref. FS 302/2011) * Mtubatuba (2) (Ref. FS 303/2011) * Newcastle (2) (Ref. FS 304/2011) * Kokstad (2) (Ref. FS 305/2011) * Pietermaritzburg (2) (Ref. FS 306/2011) * Durban (3) (Ref. FS 307/2011) * Nqutu (2) (Ref. FS 308/2011) * Richards Bay (2)(Ref. FS 309/2011) * Ulundi (2) (Ref. FS 310/2011) * Vryheid (2) (Ref. FS 311/20110 * Port Shepstone (2) (Ref. FS 312/2011) • Limpopo: * Lephalale (1) (Ref. FS 313/2011) * Modimolle (2) (Ref. FS 314/2011) * Lebowakgomo (2) (Ref. FS 315/2011) * Thabazimbi(1) (Ref. FS 316/2011) * Thohoyandou (2) (Ref. FS 317/2011) * Musina (1) (Ref. FS 318/2011) * Polokwane (3) (Ref. FS 319/2011) * Groblersdal (1) (Ref. FS 320/2011) * Makhado (2) (Ref. FS 321/2011) * Mokopane (1) (Ref. FS 322/2011) * Phalaborwa (2) (Ref. FS 323/2011) * Tzaneen (2) (Ref. FS 324/2011) • Mpumalanga: * Ermelo (3) (Ref. FS 325/2011) * Acornhoek (2) (Ref. FS 326/2011) * Witbank (2) (Ref. FS 327/2011) * Lydenburg (2) (Ref. FS 328/2011) * Secunda (2) (Ref. FS 329/2011) * Nelspruit (2) (Ref. FS 330/2011) * Elikwatini (2) (Ref. FS 331/2011) * Kwamhlanga (2) (Ref. FS 332/2011) • National Crime Scene Management: Pretoria (2) (Ref. FS 333/2011)
Salary level: Band B1 Notch 3: R174 264 per annum
Core functions: Process crime scenes • Compile and provide related documents, such as exhibits which include, but are not limited, to fingerprints, photography plan drawing, videography forensic field work (ballistics) • Re-construct events and lead and submit evidence in court • Capture information with regard to SAPS Computerised Systems • Ensure optimal utilisation of resources.
Requirements: Degree/National Diploma in Natural Science/Forensic Investigations/Criminalistic/Criminology or any NQF 6 qualifications relevant to the Laboratory environment.
Forensic Analyst (Facial Identification)
Gauteng: Pretoria (1) (Ref. FS 334/2011) Salary level: Band B1 Notch 3: R174 264 per annum
Core functions: Compile a face with computer software from a verbal description of the witness or complainant • Provide a physical description and modus operandi of a wanted person or suspect • Sketch jewellery, other items or unidentified people to aid in the tracing of identification • Present lectures to SAPS members • Compile all applicable administrative documents and maintain resources • 2-D and 3-D facial reconstruction.
Requirements: Degree/National Diploma SAQA accredited NQF6 qualification with specification in Arts of which Fine Arts will be an advantage.
***Important General Information:
Only the official SAPS application_form (available on the SAPS website and at SAPS Recruitment Offices) will be accepted. The Z83 previously utilised will no longer be accepted
• All instructions on the application form must be adhered to, since failure to do so may result in the rejection of the application
• The application must be accompanied by all relevant certified copies of tertiary qualifications, academic record, Senior Certificate or Grade 12 Certificates, ID document, valid driver’s licence (where applicable), where applicable marriage certificate, ID of spouse and children birth certificates/ID and a detailed CV. No application will be accepted without these documents. The South African Police Service will verify the residential address and qualifications of applicants, as well as citizenship
• Reference checking will be conducted on all short-listed applicants
• The post particulars and reference number of the post must be correctly specified on the application form
• Applicants must not have been found guilty of previous criminal convictions or have left the Public Service as a result of a severance package, early retirement or medical reasons, as these applications will be rejected
• Short-listed candidates for appointment to certain identified posts, will be vetted in terms of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007 (Act No 32 of 2007) and the Children’s Act, 2005 (Act No 38 of 2005). A candidate whose particulars appear in either the National Register for Sex Offenders or Part B of the Child Protection Register, will be disqualified from appointment to that post
• Through the filling of the abovementioned posts, applicants whose appointment will promote representivity may receive preference. If a candidate is short-listed, it can be expected of him/her to undergo a personal interview
• The South African Police Service is under no obligation to fill the post after the advertisement thereof
• Although the post is advertised, the National Commissioner may withdraw the post from the advertisement, re-advertise the post or fill the post by transferring a person at the same level where this is deemed to be in the interest of service delivery
• Applicants are advised to apply for posts closer to their residence
• Correspondence will be conducted with successful applicants only
• Late applications will not be considered
• No faxed applications will be allowed
• Applicants must submit separate applications for each post.
The closing date for applications is Friday, 2011-08-19.
Applications can be directed to:
Physical Address: 730 Pretorius Street, Sterlizia building, Arcadia, 0083.
Postal Address: Private Bag X322, Pretoria 0001,for attention: SPO SW Matsheni/SPO MP Motjelele.
Enquiries: SPO SW Matsheni/SPO MP Motjelele, tel. (012) 421-0584.
For the Provinces, applications and enquiries can be directed to the following addresses:
Gauteng Province: Johannesburg: The Provincial Head: Gauteng Province, Private Bag X19, Johannesburg 2000 or hand-deliver at Room 202, 2nd Floor, SAPS Building No 1, Commissioner Street, Johanneburg, for attention: Colonel MA Lotter Enquiries: Colonel MA Lotter, tel. (011) 497-7253
Eastern Cape Province: King William’s Town: Private Bag X7471, King William’s Town 5600 or hand-deliver at Cash Build Buildings, No 5 Cowen Close, Schornville, King William’s Town, for attention: Colonel Mpalo Enquiries: Colonel Mpalo, tel. (043) 604-6302/6303 Port Elizabeth: Private Bag X6019, Port Elizabeth 6000 or hand- deliver at Urban Donges Building, Hancock Street, North End, Port Elizabeth 6000, for attention: PO M Bradley or PO J Ntshiliza Enquiries: PO M Bradley or PO J Ntshiliza, tel. (041) 407-6706
Free State Province: Private Bag X20560, Bloemfontein 9300 or hand-deliver at corner Aliwal and Fontein Streets, Bloemfontein, for attention: Lt Col Setshego Enquiries: Lt Col Setshego, tel. (051) 507-6637/8.
KwaZulu-Natal Province: Durban: PO Box, 1965 Durban 4000 or hand-deliver at 2nd Floor, Servamus Building, 15 Ordinance Road, Durban, for attention: Capt Sighn Enquiries: Capt Sighn, tel. (031) 325-5916 Amazimtoti: PO Box 2082, Amazimtoti 4125 or hand-deliver at King Crest Building, 415 Kingsway Road, Kingsway, Amazimtoti 4125, for attention: SPO TN Dinga or SPO NL Makhubo Enquiries: SPO TN Dinga or SPO NL Makhubo, tel. (031) 904-0791
Limpopo Province: PO Box 829, Polokwane 0788 or hand-delliver at 8 Albatross Building, 19 Mark Street, Polokwane Enquiries: Capt Manya, tel. (015) 290-6797 Mpumalanga Province: Private Bag X1801, Middelburg 1050 or hand-deliver at 1st Floor, The Oak Centrum, corner Hendrik Potgieter and Cadc Streets, Middelburg, for attention: Colonel van Wyk or CAC A Carstens Enquiries: Colonel van Wyk or CAC A Carstens, tel. (013) 249-8236
Northern Cape Province: Private Bag X5001, Kimberley 8300 or hand-deliver at 3rd Floor, 33 Woodley Street, Kimberley, for attention: Lt Col Hlakanye Enquiries: Lt Col Hlakanye, tel. (053) 838-5643 North West: Private Bag X801, Potchefstroom 2531 or hand-deliver at 3rd Floor, Louis Le Grange Building, corner Peter Mokaba and Wolmarans Streets, Potchefstroom, for attention: Lt Col Knoetze Enquiries: Lt Col Knoetze, tel. (018) 299- 7067
Western Cape Province: Cape Town: Private Bag X9113, Cape Town 8000 or hand-deliver at 3rd Floor, Thomas Boydell Building, Parade Street, Cape Town Enquiries: Brigadier Jacobs or Lt Col Gouws, tel. (021) 467-6231/6240 Kuils River: Private Bag X3, Brandwood Park, Kuils River 7579 or hand-deliver at Somchem Building, A81 Reeb Road, Macassar 7130, for attention: Capt M Swart. Enquiries: Capt M Swart, tel. (021) 850-2880.
Raped again – by the system
Wednesday, June 8th, 2011
The article written by Chris Asplen has now been published in Gauteng (Saturday Star, 11 June 2011) , KZN (The Witness, 10 June 2011) and the Western Cape (Sunday Argus, 5 June 2011). The Editor of the Saturday Star took it one step further and commented on Chis Asplen’s article in his Editorial. This is what he had to say:
The editorial refers to the article which has appeared in all three major provinces in South Africa, which was originally written and published in an international Forensic Magazine. It is an opinion piece written by Chris Asplen, who was recently in South Africa, and which visit obviously drove him to write this article. It is uncomprisingly direct and honest and very hard hitting insofar as how the international forensic community view our MP’s. I wonder if any of the members of the portfolio committee for police who are ‘reviewing’ the DNA Bill, read this about themselves? And if so, how did it make them feel? I personally, would not like to have the blood of these and future victims on my hands. Perhaps, however they will prove Mr Asplen wrong, and actually get on with the job at hand this year? Well, we live in hope, as do all the rape survivors and future victims…
Forensic DNA Database legislation urgently needed amid rape epidemic
I am a former prosecutor in the United States where I was the advisor to two US Attorneys General on the use of forensic DNA technology and where I was the Executive Director of the US Department of Justice’s National Commission on the Future of DNA Evidence. My specialty as a prosecutor was the prosecution of sex crimes committed against children. I left the Department of Justice about 10 years ago and began consulting internationally on the integration of forensic DNA evidence into criminal justice systems. I have been fortunate to help over 35 countries realize the potential of DNA technology to protect victims – mostly women and children – from the horrors of rape. I have spent equal time and energy to protect the innocent – mostly men – from the tragedy of wrongful conviction with the very same technology.
When I first started working abroad, my presentations would often start with a rhetorical question that went something like this: “What is the most important factor influencing the success of forensic DNA databasing? Is it the quality of the laboratory performing the analysis? Is it the training and education of the police ensuring that they collect valuable evidence? Or perhaps the skill with which prosecutors can leverage the probative value of DNA to support their victims’ testimony?” But of course it was a loaded question. I had my own answer. “It’s actually none of these…” I would say. “The most important factor influencing the potential effect of DNA in any criminal justice system is what the law allows you to do with it.”
Now I am a little biased here. I am a lawyer by training, by education and probably by nature. But I have a pretty good argument. You can have the best, most advanced laboratory system in the world, the most rigorous quality assurance procedures, and send specialized crime scene analysts to every crime scene – but those factors mean little if the law does not allow you leverage the full potential of the technology and the evidence.
Nowhere is that dynamic more tragically clear than in South Africa.
I first traveled to South Africa 10 years ago. I left the Department of Justice less than a year earlier and had been invited to participate in a meeting of Interpol’s DNA Expert Monitoring Group in Pretoria. It was my first trip to the continent so to say that I was excited is an understatement. I did not, in all honesty though, harbor great expectations regarding what I would see from the standpoint of South Africa’s use of DNA technology. But when I saw what the South African Police Service (SAPS) was doing, I was nothing short of astounded. The SAPS had an automated system for DNA analysis that was unique in the world. As we toured through the laboratory I realized that it was, at that time, the most advanced forensic DNA testing robotics system I had ever seen. I was so impressed that I literally walked out of the lab, got on my phone and called my former colleagues at DOJ trying to convince them to bring Johann and his colleagues to the US so that they could explain what they were doing. South Africa was going to be a model, not only for Africa, but perhaps for the world. They had crime statistics that proved South Africa to be one of the most sexually violent places on the planet and they had the capacity and technical sophistication to hit back hard. South Africa was going to prove the power of DNA like nowhere else.
The automated DNA Robotics system at the Pretoria Forensics Lab
Boy was I wrong.
I have just returned from another trip to South Africa, a trip I have made many times since my first visit. And to be clear, it is not the police that have failed, nor is it the technology, nor is it the laboratory personnel. Rather, ten years after South Africa created one of the most important laboratory infrastructures in the world, the politicians in the South African Parliament have still failed to give police the legal authority to save literally thousands upon thousands of lives with DNA. Ten years later and South Africa, in contrast with more than 50 countries around the world, still has no legislation allowing for the establishment of a forensic DNA database.
South Africa is a strikingly beautiful country from its coast line at the Cape of Good Hope to Krugar National Park to the wine regions of Stellenbosch. It is also the economic anchor for sub-Saharan Africa. It has a technology portfolio that includes a nuclear weapons program (and the wisdom to subsequently dismantle it) a 2002 Noble Prize for work in microbiology and the first human to human heart transplant was performed in South Africa. And most importantly, it is a country which engineered one of the most significant triumphs of human spirit and potential – the non-violent elimination of apartheid
But South Africa is also a country that, according to the United Nations, ranks second for murder and first for assaults and rapes per capita. 52 people are murdered every day there and the number of rapes reported in a year is around 55,000. It is estimated that 500,000 rapes are committed annually in South Africa. In a 2009 survey, one in four South African men admitted to raping someone. Even more insidiously, South Africa has one of the highest incidences of child and baby rape in the world. It is a country where the belief exists that intercourse will cure or prevent HIV/AIDS and where child rape is used as a method of retaliation against someone else for a perceived wrong. Children are murdered and body parts used for “traditional” medicinal remedies. And in a country also cursed with epidemic rates of HIV/Aids, rape takes on an exponentially tragic dimension.
The world holds no shortage of human tragedies. But most of those tragedies persist because there are no clear, identifiable fixes. Feeding entire starving countries from overworked, infertile land or generating clean, lifesaving water from dry, parched earth are heavy lifts. Wars and the conflicts that lead to catastrophic loss of human life have been with us since the beginning of time. But when it comes to fighting back against serial rapists and pedophiles? I have examples from every corner of the planet of exactly what works and just how well. There is nothing better at getting rapists off the street, at protecting little girls and, by the way, at protecting those who would be wrongly accused and convicted of those serious crimes than DNA databases.
And what exacerbates the tragedy tenfold is the fact that, unlike many countries with the wisdom to implement DNA databases fully, South Africa already has all the other components necessary to leverage the power DNA technology -the laboratory system, the finances, the education and the commitment by police. There are no other excuses, nowhere else to place responsibility.
As someone who works regularly in other peoples’ countries, I don’t “call out” or criticize foreign officials easily or often. But on a scale unequaled anywhere else on earth, hundreds of thousands of children’s lives are sacrificed because of the failure to act by politicians in South Africa. The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee responsible for the legislation that would give police the ability to immediately begin taking rapists off the street has avoided acting on the law for years. The legislation sits in Committee while the worst sexual violence statistics in the world continue to pile up. Except they are not really statistics. They are terrified woman and little girls staring into the face of horrific violence and evil while they are likely infected with HIV – three more of them just in the time it took you to read this article.
Chris Asplen
Executive Director, DNA 4 Africa
What the criminals think
Monday, May 23rd, 2011
What do people who have their profiles on International DNA databases think?
Vanessa has recently written about the Darwin debate that we were involved in at UCT. The debate highlighted many social and ethical issues regarding forensic DNA databases. Interestingly, soon thereafter a friend forwarded me two relevant articles that looked at some of these issues from an entirely different perspective. Both articles discussed research into at what convicted persons thought about having their profiles kept on a forensic database. The first was written by Machado et al (2011) after interviewing 31 Portuguese prisoners. These prisoners were between 22 and 49 years of age and had been convicted of a variety of crimes including homicide, rape, drug trafficking, burglary and driving without a permit. The second study conducted by Stackhouse et al (2010) looked at a slightly different group of people – they interviewed 84 young people between the ages of 15 and 19. 72 had been arrested and had their profiles retained on the UK National DNA database. 58 of them had been found guilty of offences ranging from grievous bodily harm and assault to driving offences.
What was especially interesting about the findings of these studies was that the majority of people (those interviewed that have their DNA profiles on a national database) think that their profiles should be there. They also believe that even if someone is found “innocent” and is acquitted then their profiles should be retained on the database. So whilst politicians and human rights groups contend that profiles should not be kept on a database as this infringes on peoples right to privacy, prisoners argue that as the technology associated with forensic DNA analysis is so reliable and accurate, they would prefer for their profiles to be retained on a database. Their reasoning is that they believe that if police have their profiles on record then they can easily be eliminated from investigations following their release from prison. They felt that having their profiles on the database would actually contribute towards protecting them from police automatically assuming that as ex-convicts they would be involved with the perpetration of similar crimes. One young person claimed “If they’ve got your DNA on there just leave it, I mean he knows he ain’t a criminal so just leave it there…. Just to prove again that it wasn’t me.” Another person thought that having your profile removed may actually seem suspicious – “Why would you want it taken off, unless you were up to something…” This is in agreement with the British Home Office’s opinion that “persons who do not go on to commit an offence have no reason to fear the retention of the information”.
Both these articles referred to an earlier publication written by Prainsack and Kitzberger in 2009 where 26 convicted offenders in Austria were interviewed. All but two of the offenders viewed national DNA databases in a positive light. Their reasons included: (1) It helped to catch serious offenders such as rapists, murderers and paedophiles (2) They helped prove innocence (3) They forced police to carry out proper investigations and not to just arrest people who had previously committed similar offences. This study showed that many of those interviewed concurred with the fact that if they had committed an offence then they should be held accountable and that they deserved to be on the database– “If somebody does something, then they should bear the consequences”.
The results of these studies highlight the need to determine what all sectors of the public, including those already on a database, think about what profiles should be entered onto a database and when if ever that information should be removed. Food for thought …….what do you think?
Carolyn
A Disappointing Debate – what do you think?
Monday, May 16th, 2011
For those of you who may have attended the debate at UCT last week Wednesday, you may share my frustration and disappointment insofar as my adversary failed, in my opinion, to address the issues at hand which were: the societal and ethical implications of a National DNA Database in South Africa. Whilst I commend Ms Naidoo for standing up against police brutality and corruption, this was not the topic of debate for that evening, nor was it in any way relevant to the question of which types of profiles should be held on a DNA database and why.
Poonitha Naidoo, Vanessa Lynch & Carolyn Hancock
As such, I believe we lost a valuable opportunity for serious, logical and rational debate over an issue which may have far reaching consequences in South Africa . The problem is, to date, no-one seems to be able to come forward and present an argument against the implementation of a criminal intelligence DNA database, which makes any sense at all.
Whilst I admit that I may be biased in favour of the value of a DNA Database for crime resolution (in conjunction with the vast majority of countries in the world with developed DNA Databases!), I am not unfamiliar nor insensitive to some of the privacy concerns of human rights groups. It must also be noted that the DNA Project concedes that the actual DNA reference sample (as opposed to the DNA profile) should be destroyed once a full DNA profile has been obtained and, that there should be an exit mechanism in place to expunge profiles which have not resulted in a conviction following arrest.
As I see it, there are five areas of concern amongst civil rights activists, which I raised for argument in the debate, namely:
1. WHETHER A DNA SAMPLE AND ITS PROFILE SHOULD BE KEPT ON A DATABASE,
2. AND FOR HOW LONG;
3. HOW THESE SAMPLES SHOULD BE OBTAINED FROM INDIVIDUALS;
4. WHETHER THE PRESENCE OF A DNA PROFILE ON A DATABASE REPRESENTS AN INVASION OF PRIVACY; AND
5. HOW WE SHOULD BALANCE THESE CONFLICTING INTERESTS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS IN SA.
In the first place we must ensure that we differentiate between a DNA sample and a DNA profile.
The physical sample consists of the bodily substance collected from a crime scene or person; the DNA profile is the digitized information that is stored electronically on the Database. Whilst the sample holds the genetic profile, once a DNA profile has been obtained, the DNA sample can be destroyed, provided that it is not a crime scene sample which is evidence and must be kept in the same way as other crime scene evidence.
Of note is that the DNA markers which make up the digital profile in South Africa, are specifically chosen for forensic use because they do not reveal any details about age, ethnicity, race, appearance or medical conditions. You therefore cannot link a DNA profile to an individual’s medical history nor does it point to genetic disorders or susceptibilities. In fact a mughsot tells you more about the person than a DNA profile; as too does your id number. If then we concede that the physical sample is not retained, but only the digital profile, and if access and use to it is strictly confined, then the intrusion into privacy is not particularly grave, while the societal gains in solving and deterring appalling crimes in South Africa through a criminal intelligence database, are very significant.
Vanessa Lynch debating at UCT last week
My second point was in relation to the way in which a sample is collected. Currently, due to the interpretation of the 1977 Criminal Procedures Act, a registered nurse or medical practitioner has to take a full vial blood to generate a sample for DNA analysis. The draft DNA bill calls for the collection of a simple cheek swab/pin prick by a police officer. No country in the world mandates that samples be taken by blood or medical personnel – Why? It is exceedingly expensive, dangerous and scientifically unnecessary and it has certainly never been challenged as unconstitutional or invasive. Ms Naidoo perceives this act however as a grave invasion of privacy. But, I argue that the mere act of taking of samples from suspects is a reasonable and proportionate response to serious crime.
Given that this technology is here to stay, as a crucial means of solving crimes, the question is… who should be on the database and why? It is generally agreed, that convicted offenders and crime scene profiles should be retained. The main argument is then around the retention of such material in cases where a suspect is subsequently acquitted or the charge is discontinued….. which leads us to the next point…
Our contention is that there should exist a retention framework for profiles which do not result in a conviction. In the pivotal case of S vs Marper – The European Courts of Human Right forced a change of policy in England that the holding of a DNA profiles from persons regardless of outcome of arrest was disproportionate – a retention framework was proposed which is still being debated.
Whilst the value of retained profiles from suspects who were subsequently acquitted has been shown to be considerable, there is no other country which allows a blanket retention policy of such profiles, but a retention framework makes sense.
Significantly, in South Africa, a recently passed law allows searching across all the fingerprint databases – HANIS, E-NATIS and AFIS. If we accept that the fingerprint is a unique identifier, just as the DNA profile is, then we are currently already allowing supposedly ‘innocent’ fingerprints to be searched for the purpose of generating a hit or match. We must remember that the presence of a fingerprint on a database does not constitute a criminal record – it is for reference and comparative purposes only. If a hit is generated then it is considered a LEAD in the investigation – it is not an automatic guilty verdict as many seem to suggest. With the high rate of recidivism in SA, it may be proportionate to consider a retention framework whereby a profile is kept for a specified period (in the draft Bill, 5 years has been proposed) after which, if there is no further arrest during that time, it is automatically expunged.
Perhaps then Civil liberties activists seem mostly opposed to the development of a national database on the grounds that state officials might somehow be able to abuse ordinary citizens by using the data that would be contained in it? The argument that information can be abused pre-supposes that the DNA profiles reveal genetic information which is commercially valuable. This is untrue. It is simply a unique identifier. There is no realistic way I can think of in which a government can abuse a Database nor has any case ever been reported of this occurring. But perhaps some reader out there has different views on this, and if so, I would be interested in hearing them. Moreover, the draft Bill provides for strict safeguards and penalties to ensure that DNA profiles are used only for the purpose related to the detection of crime, the investigation of an offence or the conduct of a prosecution.
If a Database is assiduously maintained and strictly controlled in order to strengthen our Criminal Justice System (CJS) and help our forces of law apprehend and prosecute habitual offenders, then we should support the expansion and development of this crime fighting tool in a country which is being held to ransom by a small minority of criminals.
The last point brings me to duty of the State to protect the public from crime. However, it is recognised that in doing so, the State also needs to protect certain ethical values such as liberty, autonomy, privacy, informed consent and equality. Sometimes these obligations conflict and then a balance must be struck between the right to privacy and the right to safety and security. In appropriate circumstances, some of these rights need to be restricted in the public interest and to protect the rights of others. Legislation should therefore seek to find an adequate balance between the interests of society and the interests of the individual. If we agree that the purpose of the CJS is to permit everyone to go about their daily lives without fear of harm to person or property, then surely it is in everyone’s interest that serious crime should be properly investigated and prosecuted. As one of the most important obligations of the state is to protect the rights of its citizens, a DNA Database does this and this more than makes up for any minor privacy rights violated by mandatory DNA databasing. In other words, freedom of action has to be restricted in appropriate circumstances – i.e. the response of the state to take action to prevent people from killing or harming one another will inevitably involve some restriction of freedom of action. Laws by their very nature do this (restrict freedom of action) but are in place to ensure that the greater good is achieved.
My final point on the issue is a Utilitarian one – in other words, what is the VALUE of the science?
In a country which has one of the highest crime rates, lowest conviction rates and highest rate of recidivism in the world- the value of the science, in this case, the DNA database, is very, very high.
So, let us not sacrifice the good for the perfect – if we put proper safeguards in place and maximise the full potential of this powerful investigative tool, we will be doing a good thing – which surely is an aim worthy of pursuit?
What do you think?
Vanessa
Meet some of our team
Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011
We recently appointed another trainer and assistant in the KZN area, Grant Godsmark, a young and dynamic Genetic Hons graduate from UCT, with a passion for DNA. This weeks blog entry has been written by Grant and looks at the reasons why he thinks we urgently need DNA
Grant Godsmark at a Training Workshop
legislation in this country. As it stands, the latest information indicates that the Portfolio Committee’s “study tour” of the UK and Canadian DNA labs is scheduled for the 24th of June 2011 to the 10th of July 2011. That is a total of 15 days. Wow. Is that not a long time to spend viewing two labs? How do you feel about this? Read how we feel! Let us know what you think, by posting a comment or writing on our Facebook page.
This is what one reader had to say:
“I am working for a Rape Centre, every day I see the people these ministers are suppose to protect. Small children are raped by serial rapist who roam the streets and cannot be arrested or sentenced because the DNA project does not get the urgent attention it needs!!! Why is everything in this great country of us backwards, is money and freedom to do as they wish so important to our leaders. PLEASE wake up and start looking after the innocent!!!!”
Here is what Grant has to say:
Is South Africa missing out on the benefits of using DNA to help apprehend criminals?
We have all watched an episode of CSI, or other detective programs, and so we know how important evidence left at the crime scene can be. In every episode the criminal is caught with the help of evidence (often DNA) left at the scene of the crime. Although things happen really fast on TV….. all the forensic techniques that are shown are actually used by police to help solve crime. In reality DNA profiling is successfully used every day by police forces all over the world to apprehend and convict criminals. So you may be wondering: What are we doing in South Africa?
Well, you will be pleased to know that we have state of the art equipment that is used to analyze DNA evidence found at crime scenes. This equipment includes the world’s first fully automated system that can be used for high volume forensic DNA analysis. But despite access to this amazing technology, South Africa is not maximizing the use of DNA as a forensic tool. One reason for this is that we do not have the necessary legislation to allow our police force to use the technology to its full potential. In South Africa current legislation does not allow for all people arrested, or convicted of a crime to have their DNA profile placed on the National DNA Database of South Africa (NDDSA). If this was to happen then when police do not have a suspect, and the perpetrator is been previously arrested or convicted, a comparison between the crime scene profile and profiles on the database may provide police with a suspect. Amendments to the current legislation have been proposed which will allow for all evidence collected at crime scenes to be compared to the database and possible suspects to be identified. Click here for more details.
This system is currently being used in USA, UK and Europe with great results. In the UK, in 70% of cases where DNA profiles from crime scene evidence are loaded onto the database, there is a match with someone already on the database. This means that when police have no suspect they are given a lead in the case just by searching the database. Imagine how effective this would be in South Africa where most of our criminals have committed many crimes – we just need to get them on the database once!
Unfortunately, the parliamentary committee tasked with considering the changes in legislation has been dragging their heels since 2009. In July they plan on going on a fact finding mission to the UK and Canada before considering implementing this legislation. This despite the fact that DNA databases have been effectively used by these countries since 1995. So…..why should South Africans, who live with some of the highest crime rates in the world, not be able to benefit from this incredible technology? The reason is simply that a small piece of legislation is the final hurdle keeping us from convicting the people responsible for crimes like murder and rape in South Africa. We all need to fight for this legislation to be passed as soon as possible so that we can make criminals accountable for their actions. We need everyone to support the proposed changes in legislation and to put pressure onto the committee to pass the amendment. All South Africans will then be able to breathe a little easier knowing that if something happens to our loved ones, the SAPS will finally be able to do the best they can to apprehend these criminals.
Written by Grant Godsmark
Exciting DNA Forensic Events happening this week (22-25 Mar 2011)
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011
There are a number of Forensic DNA Conferences and Seminars being held throughout South Africa this week (22-25 Mar 2011) which I will be attending, ranging from Victim Empowerment through the use of DNA to establishing a DNA Innocence Project in SA to unleashing the power of a criminal intelligence DNA database in SA. All of these seminars and events will be of value and interest to anyone involved in DNA forensics in SA .
I have posted details of all these on the events page – click here for more information.
Hope to see you there!
with thanks
Vanessa
Jack Mogale: Serial rapist and murderer, how did DNA evidence assist in getting him convicted?
Friday, March 18th, 2011
Jack Mogale: Serial rapist and murderer, how did DNA evidence assist in getting him convicted?
In a case where there were so many victims, especially rape victims, you would expect more DNA evidence. However, DNA evidence was only used to link Mogale to four of the victims, two of which were murdered. 
The one victim, a prostitute who was raped and murdered by Mogale, had a condom discovered nearby the body from which DNA evidence was collected which matched Mogale. Two of the other victims had vaginal and cervical swabs for DNA evidence taken matching Mogale as well. A fourth victim who was bludgeoned, raped and then left unconscious in the open veld for 24 hours had a vaginal swap at the hospital which produced DNA evidence matching Mogale.
He was found guilty on 52 of the 61 charges brought against him, these included 16 murders, 9 kidnappings, 2 thefts and 2 robberies with aggravating circumstances. 
When Mogale was being led down to the court cells, he is quoted as saying, “In life you face challenges and this is just one of them. I did not commit the crimes they say I committed. Even now, I still maintain my innocence”, but DNA evidence doesn’t lie.
For more of the full story please follow these links.
http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2011/03/17/serial-rapist-to-be-sentenced
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/West-End-killer-awaits-sentencing-20110316
New Rape Kits will help crack Rape Cases
Monday, March 14th, 2011
The forensic DNA laboratory of the University of the Western Cape (UWC) has been researching and developing a forensic kit to identify male perpetrators in rape cases. We heard last week that this kit has now been fully developed and is available to Crime Labs to help crack rape cases, specially in those cases where a victim has been raped by more than one perpetrator. 
The UWC research team looked at local regions with high gene variability between individuals, and the kit they developed was thoroughly tested against South Africa’s different population groups. It had been proved that the kit would help increase the conviction rate in rape cases. The police currently use kits that analyse both female and male DNA but this can be confusing and cluttered. This kit will supplement those in use and will support circumstantial evidence.
The kit, developed under the leadership of Professor Sean Davidson together with Dr Eugenia dâ Amato, is similar to those made in America and Europe, but is more accurate with South Africa’s population groups, UWC’s An Wentzel said.
How does it work?
The test isolates information of the Y-chromosome — which is present only in males — and is able to narrow down suspects to the range of father, son or brother.
Why is it such a ‘breakthrough’?
Because father passes his Y-chromosome to his son, meaning that they have identical Y-chromosomes and therefore they would both be suspects based on Y-DNA evidence. Davidson said forensic pathologists could now pick up male DNA more easily in a rape case, and this made it more useful in identifying the rapist, with investigators able to narrow down the range of possible aggressors. “The technology is also good at excluding innocent men,” he said.
Davidson said the test takes “a matter of days”. However, it would not eliminate the time taken in the administration of DNA processing.
The findings and results have been welcomed by the international forensics community and has been hailed by UWC as a giant step forward for justice and rape victims in South Africa.
14 March 2011
