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Meet the fierce crime fighter – Vanessa Lynch, DNA Crusader: The Solutions Lab, 30 September 2016 Face to Face with Success podcast interview with Vanessa Lynch. |
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Kevin McCallum: Island style cycling changing lives: IOL News, 23 September 2016 Today, the Change a Life tour starts on the island of the dodo, a four-day 500km bicycle cruise that will raise loads of money for people who do good… Businessmen and others pay to ride on the tour each year – the money raised, and it goes into in the many millions, is used for a variety of projects. Like the DNA Project, which “seeks to strengthen crime detection through DNA sampling”; the Martin Dreyer Change a Life Academy, which “changes the lives of talented youths in KwaZulu Natal’s Valley of a Thousand Hill”;… |
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I Am Woman Episode 7, Season 3 – Vanessa Lynch, 15 September 2016 SABC3’s “I AM WOMAN: Leap of Faith” documentary series episode featuring Vanessa Lynch’s inspirational story and the DNA Project. |
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CPF members freshen up on their DNA protection skills: Krugersdorp News, 31 August 2016 Mogale City Community Police Forum (CPF) members gathered at Monument Primary school on Saturday, 27 August to freshen up on their DNA protection skills. Tony Lelliott, associate professor at the University of the Witwatersrand, showed CPF members how to assist the police by leaving a crime scene undisturbed. |
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Bottle spit DNA gets robber jail: Times Live, 18 August 2016 Matota Sithole’s thirst got him into trouble. The serial burglar left an empty cooldrink bottle at the scene of one of his crimes and this proved to be the key evidence that linked him to three other cases across the southern Cape. Forensic trainer Tanya Mottalini, who works with the DNA Project – an NGO with a focus on training in forensic science – said police were now better trained to gather genetic material. |
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DNA Project Founder Vanessa Lynch: Expresso Show, 04 August 2016 As part of the Expresso Breakfast Show’s Women’s Month celebrations for August, Vanessa was invited to appear live for an on air interview to discuss the DNA Project and to highlight the importance of crime scene preservation and forensic DNA evidence in the resolution of crime. |
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Handling a crime scene: Comaro Chronicle, 03 June 2016 THE Mondeor Community Policing Forum (CPF) in collaboration with the DNA Project recently held another DNA meeting at Mondeor Primary School with the aim to educate the public and various security companies about how a crime scene should and should not be handled. |
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Community educated about crime and DNA: Germiston City News, 28 May 2016 The Elsburg CPF invited the DNA Project to visit the community and other local CPFs, to educate them about the importance of a crime scene and DNA evidence. |
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Under the Microscope- Vanessa Lynch: ISHI News, 30 June 2015 ISHI interview with Vanessa Lynch. |
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Forensic science: Truth will out: Financial Mail, 18 June 2015 DNA scientists at the University of the Western Cape honed their forensic skills by identifying apartheid-era victims buried in mass graves. Now they are turning their attention to what they believe is a human rights abuse in today’s democratic order — prisoners who have been incarcerated for crimes they did not commit. |
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SAPS armed with DNA: Drum, 21 May 2015 Nabbing criminals has just become a lot easier. South Africa’s new DNA Act and database are here to help our law enforcement officers… |
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Police hold DNA workshop: Talk of the Town, 21 May 2015 Last week officers, paramedics, detectives and other “first responders” were preesent at the Port Alfred Civic Centre where a DNA handling awareness workshop was conducted… |
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Keeping DNA evidence unsullied: DispatchLive, 18 May 2015 True crime investigators don’t sneeze, eat, stomp around and use the loo when collecting evidence at a crime scene. This was explained to Sunshine Coast police, emergency services, private security companies and community neighbourhood watch groups at a DNA Project workshop. |
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Criminals beware: News24, 30 April 2015 HILLCREST CPF hosted the DNA Project at the Hillcrest SAPS last week. Members who attended the meeting were enlightened on the importance of a DNA database. |
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Campaign says “no!” to child abuse with new Rape Crisis Center: Women24, 20 April 2015 Funds raised by Blow the Whistle have been given to The DNA Project, which is allocating part of the funds donated to Angels Care, one of the anti-rape projects it supports. |
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Will you help blow the whistle against sexual violence?: Women24, 14 April 2015 The “Blow the Whistle” campaign aims to protect women against sexual abuse using technology. An integral part of the campaign is the production and sale of whistles. The aim is to encourage all South Africans to wear these whistles – women and children in particular. When the wearer feels threatened, the whistle functions as a tool to alert others and call for help. The proceeds from the sale of the whistles will be donated to the DNA Project with a specific focus on the Rape Crisis. |
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Vanessa Lynch at ISHI 25: Promega Corporation, 01 April 2015 The DNA Project founder Vanessa Lynch talks about reforming DNA collection and preservation in South Africa. |
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10 Questions for Vanessa Lynch: CapeTownMagazine.com, 30 March 2015 CapeTownMagazine.com 10 Questions interview with Vanessa Lynch. |
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Vanessa Lynch | Founder of the DNA Project: The Legacy Project, 23 March 2015 The Legacy Project inspirational interview with Vanessa Lynch. |
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DNA to identify bodies in mass grave: IOL News, 17 March 2015 DNA testing could help identify the bodies found in mass graves on a KwaZulu-Natal farm – but only if living relatives came forward for tissue samples to be compared, said a genetics expert (Dr Carolyn Hancock, DNA Project Director)… |
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Long road to DNA profiling nears an end: BDLive, 17 March 2015 AFTER a decade of focused determination to get a new DNA Act through Parliament, its driver, Vanessa Lynch, who gave up her career as a commercial attorney to champion the legislation, is not celebrating — yet… |
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DNA Testing: Kaya FM 95.9, 11 March 2015 If you had any confusion about DNA Profiling, DNA Testing etc, this is the show to listen to and learn. Whether you are a law student or just an ordinary citizen, the information given here is easy to understand. Attorney Michael Motsoeneng Bill, Senior Forensic Scientist Tanya Mottalini (and DNA Project Trainer) and Human Rights Lawyer Nqobizitha Mlilo bring the topic to light. |
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DNA testing gets bite with new board: The Citizen, 09 March 2015 The Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act 37 of 2013 – known as the DNA Act – was passed into law on January 27, and the police ministry says the DNA board has “hit the ground running” under the direction of Justice Yvonne Mokgoro… |
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Daily Dispatch, 27 February 2015 – Forensics leaps to new level in South Africa; & – DNA profiles of 200k prisoners to be captured over two years. |
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Conversations with Niki: Radio Today, 26 February 2015 Niki Seberini looks at the “Blow the Whistle” campaign in the Naked issue of Marie Claire and how it shines the light on violence against women and children and talks to the organisers of the campaign (Marie Claire and Blow the Whistle) as well as Vanessa Lynch. |
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Update: DNA Legislation – Carte Blanche, February 2015 DNA Project featured on Carte Blanche’s update segment regarding the DNA Act. |
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SA se eie DNSdatabasis vorder: Volksblad, 20 February 2015 Dit sal bestaan uit DNS-profiele van onder andere veroordeelde misdadigers, mense wat gearresteer word en monsters wat op misdaadtonele geneem is… |
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DNSdatabasis van misdadigers gou hier: Beeld, 19 February 2015 Dit sal bestaan uit DNS-profiele van onder andere veroordeelde misdadigers, mense wat gearresteer word en monsters wat op misdaadtonele geneem is… |
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Power Drive: Power FM 987, 19 February 2015 DNAP Trainer and Human Identification Specialist David Swanepoel discussing the DNA Act on Power FM 987’s Power Drive show with Thabiso Tema and Hajra Omarjee. |
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CSI Mzansi to nail bad guys: Times Live, 19 February 2015 The police’s crime-fighting arsenal is to be given a major boost with the capture of the DNA profiles of the nearly 200,000 prisoners serving time, awaiting trial or on parole… |
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Crime fighting goes hi-tech as DNA profiling introduced: The Herald, 19 February 2015 THE police’s crime-fighting arsenal has been given a major boost. Over the next six weeks, trained profilers will begin capturing DNA profiles of the nearly 200 000 prisoners who are either serving time in South Africa’s jails, awaiting trial or on parole… |
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Prisoners’ DNA to be stored: IOL News, 19 February 2015 Head of forensic services Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane said this would be done through a legion of 5 000 detectives who will complete their training by the end of next month, and many more being skilled over the next few years… |
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Convicts obliged to give DNA for database: Sowetan, 19 February 2015 Convicts in South Africa will soon be subjected to having their DNA information loaded onto a national forensic profile database… |
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Marie Claire flesh fest, for good cause: IOL News, 17 February 2015 The Naked Issue this year will raise awareness of the Blow the Whistle campaign, an anti-rape drive, while all proceeds will go to the DNA Project, a not-for-profit organisation lobbying support for the expansion of the national DNA database and the development of crime-scene DNA forensics… |
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Why The New DNA Act is Good News For SA Women: Marie Claire, 16 February 2015 Marie Claire chatted to Vanessa Lynch, Deputy Chairperson of the National Forensic Oversight and Ethics Board and founder of the DNA Project, an organisation which campaigns for legislation and greater awareness around the critical value of DNA in solving crimes, to find out what the act means for South African women… |
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From Tragedy to Anti-Crime Activist: Meet Vanessa Lynch, Founder of The DNA Project: Marie Claire, 16 February 2015 “This is what I was meant to do with my life. I have a strong sense of purpose now.” Vanessa Lynch’s voice is matter-of-fact and determined. She’s not one for well-meaning sentiment – she has been through too much for that… |
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Sam Cowen Show: Talk Radio 702, 11 February 2015 Vanessa Lynch, the founder and executive director of the DNA Project joined Sam Cowen to talk about the groundbreaking Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act which came into effect on January 31 this year. This law allows that the DNA of any person who has been arrested or convicted of a Schedule 8 offence may be retained for future comparisons. |
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The Star (10/2) oor ‘n nuwe wet se DNA-bydrae tot forensiese misdaadondersoeke: Volksblad, 11 February 2015 |
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A big boost: The Star, 10 February 2015 Anyone with a smidgen of knowledge of crime investigation and prosecution will be aware of the crucial role that DNA plays… |
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Thank you Vanessa for our DNA data – Editor’s note: Cape Times, 09 February 2015 In a country deluged by violent crime, it has become quite customary for even survivors to say things like, “At least I wasn’t raped”, or “At least I wasn’t murdered”. We are so inundated by horror stories we have become apathetic. It’s hard to keep caring. Not so Vanessa Lynch… |
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Woman’s efforts see DNA act go live: Cape Times, 09 February 2015 It took over a decade, but she did it. Eleven years of sweat and tears have finally paid off for Vanessa Lynch. And not just for Lynch – her achievement will help us all sleep easier… |
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Triumph at last in battle for a DNA database: Saturday Star, 07 February 2015 Article by Vanessa Lynch. Blood, hair, saliva and skin cells – these are just some of the biological sources of DNA that crime scene investigators could have collected from the scene where my father was murdered, his body or his clothing… |
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SERVAMUS, February 2015 “At last! The DNA Act becomes a reality” – Annalise Kempen “DNA used to convict a serial killer… and to ID victims” – Kotie Geldenhuys “Community Safety – What to do or what not to do on a crime scene?” – Annalise Kempen |
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The use of DNA in crime fighting efforts is being made law today: Talk Radio 702, 30 January 2015 John Robbie chats to DNA Project Executive Director Vanessa Lynch about her decade of lobbying – and her concerns going forward. |
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DNA Act in Force in January: SabinetLaw, 08 January 2015 The Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act of 2013 will come into effect on 31 January 2015. The act promotes the use of DNA in crime fighting efforts and regulates how this is to occur taking constitutional principles into account. The proclamation was published in Gazette 38376. |
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Commencement of the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act, 2013 (Act No. 37 of 2013): Government Gazette Vol. 594 | No. 38376, 30 December 2014 PROCLAMATION by the President of the Republic of South Africa (No. 89, 2014). Under section 9 of the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act, 2013 (Act No. 37 of 2013), hereby fix 31 January 2015 as the date on which the said Act shall come into operation with the exception of section 2 (to the extent that it inserts section 36D(1) in the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977)). |
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‘Blazing a biotechnology trail’: Public Understanding of Biotechnology (PUB), November 2014 The Public Understanding of Biotechnology’s (PUB) 10-year celebratory book which profiles 25 biotechnologists, including Dr Carolyn Hancock and Prof Valerie Corfield, who have made noteworthy contributions in the global understanding of biotechnology in South Africa. |
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The real face of CSI: City Press, 07 December 2014 When South Africa’s DNA Act was signed into law in January this year, many thought the police would start building up a database of convicted criminals that would see more lawbreakers behind bars. Some hoped crime rates would quickly plummet. But the work of the DNA Project is, in a sense, just beginning. This is according to its executive director Vanessa Lynch, who founded the project, virtually on her own, in 2004 after her father was murdered during a house robbery. |
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New DNA Act will help nail offenders: Zululand Observer, 27 November 2014 THE country’s new DNA Act, introduced earlier this year, will in future make a massive difference in apprehending criminals – especially serial offenders. That was the encouraging message from Rhys McColl of the DNA Project, at an awareness workshop hosted by LifeLine Zululand and the Tears Foundation at the Umfolozi Casino Resort Dome on Tuesday evening (25 Nov 2014). |
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To clean the crime scene is to aid the killers: Times Live, 21 November 2014 If a violent crime takes place in your home, do not clean up the blood. Do not even throw away cigarette butts. It could all provide crucial evidence. |
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Expanded DNA database holds key to SA cell doors: Sunday Argus, 16 November 2014 COUNTLESS murderers and rapists locked up in jails around the country may soon be instrumental in solving cold cases – by being identified as suspects in those crimes – and other convicts could be exonerated. Police explained this week that once the so-called DNA act comes into effect, it would allow them to take DNA samples from convicts imprisoned on charges of murder, culpable homicide, rape and sexual assault – and these samples could link them to other crimes. |
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The Laws of Life with Garry Hertzberg – CliffCentral.com – 21 October 2014 Vanessa Lynch joins the Laws of Life team and their panel of guests to discuss the new DNA Act in South Africa, which came into effect earlier this year, and how the new laws will regulate the taking of DNA, how DNA will be retained and stored, as well as how comparative searches against databases will be made. |
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The DNA difference: Longevity Magazine, October 2014 Activist and lawyer Vanessa Lynch is woman with a mission – one that started 10 years ago with the murder of her father John in his family home in Johannesburg. He died during an armed robbery, like many that occur in our country every day. |
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The Science Inside #31 – 13 October 2014 Wits Academy Radio show ‘The Science Inside’ interview with Vanessa Lynch on using DNA to catch criminals in South Africa. |
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Highlights from ISHI25: Promega Connections, 08 October 2014 An overview of the ISHI25 conference held in Phoenix, Arizona (29 Sept – 02 Oct), by Scientific Communications Specialist at Promega Corporation Terri Sundquist that includes an honourable mention of Vanessa Lynch’s presentation at the conference. |
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The DNA Project | Press Release: Forensic DNA Evidence vs The Fallibility of Public Opinion: Eclipse PR, 29 September 2014 Never before has a generation’s influence to condemn, vilify, sympathise or sanctify been more evident than during the tragic legal tour de force and social media hurricane surrounding the Oscar Pistorius trial. It’s become clear that public and mass media opinion can be both measured and influenced by the uncensored flow of social media commentary. |
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Radio Sonder Grense (RSG) – Monitor show – 24 September 2014 DNAP director Dr Carolyn Hancock discusses the use of DNA to help identify the victims of the recent tragic Church disaster in Lagos, Nigeria, on Radio Sonder Grense (RSG) show ‘Monitor’. |
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Rape – top tips on how to protect yourself from this epidemic: BizNews.com, 13 September 2014 Vanessa Lynch, co-founder of the DNA Project, says advice on “avoiding rape” is sensitive, and needs to avoid the slightest suggestion that a woman could ever be “asking for it”… |
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DNA Act to reduce impact on SA economy: Longevity Live, 04 September 2014 David Swanepoel, Human Identification Specialist at Lancet Laboratories says, “the faster cases are investigated and perpetrators identified the less chance they will have of re-offending. South Africa has a high rate of recidivism, in that there is a relatively small criminal population that constantly commits crimes. The application of DNA profiling will cause these individuals to be identified sooner, linked to perhaps multiple cases and, as a result, be removed from society for a longer period of time so that they are unable to reoffend”. |
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Interview with DNAP trainer David Swanepoel on the Abstract AIMEE show on 2oceansvibe Radio – 30 Aug 2014 |
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YFM interview – 26 August 2014 ‘Rise ‘n Tap’ interview with Vanessa Lynch on YFM wherein she discusses the DNA Project and its recent “Don’t disturb a crime scene” #OscarTrial social media campaign – 26 August 2014. |
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Cyclists do it for a cause: City Press, 17 August 2014 Change a Life Cycle Tour – A total of 65 South African business executives will take part in the seventh Change a Life Cycle Tour over 600km in the Western Cape from September 13-18. |
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East Coast Radio interview with Vanessa Lynch – 14 August 2014 |
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SA forensics: A bloody mess?: Daily Maverick, 14 August 2014 “I reckon that there are issues, but I like to be constructive,” Vanessa Lynch, the founder of South Africa’s DNA Project, told the Daily Maverick on Wednesday. She points out that when it comes to old cases, police could only rely on the forensic evidence available at the time. |
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Women’s Day – Science & Health: Weekend Argus, 09 August 2014 Lynch’s father John was shot and killed defending his wife and Johannesburg home in 2004. All evidence was lost during the investigation. Since then Lynch has spearheaded a campaign to educate the public about the importance of DNA evidence, and to ensure a DNA database is set up to apprehend criminals through her organisation, the DNA Project. |
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The O Power List 2014 – Vanessa Lynch: Oprah Magazine, August 2014 As the founder of the DNA Project, Vanessa Lynch has dedicated her life to seeing justice served through the use of DNA evidence and analysis for crime detection. |
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DNA law yet to be implemented: eNCA, 29 May 2014 JOHANNESBURG – The groundbreaking DNA Act has hit a brick wall. The legislation is yet to be implemented despite having been signed into law in January. Government still hasn’t signed off on a document allowing the training of police officers tasked with collecting DNA samples. Police officials tasked with collecting the samples are yet to be trained. Training was scheduled to start in April. |
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Otherwise show: SAfm, 27 May 2014 Interview with Vanessa Lynch about the DNA Project, how DNA can be used to fight crime and this year’s 7th Annual Leadership for Women in Law Enforcement Conference (28 – 30 May 2014), to which Vanessa was invited to present a talk as one of their guest speakers. |
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Further delay expected in implementing DNA Act: Weekend Argus, 17 May 2014 It will be a while before the DNA Act, which provides for a databank of criminals’ DNA, is implemented. The police are preparing to issue a tender for the forensic training of police officers, which was suppose to begin in April, then was moved to September and is now expected to start later because the logistics are yet to be finalised. |
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Prof’s bid to exonerate SA’s innocent: IOL News, 07 May 2014 South Africans who have been convicted of crimes they didn’t commit may now be able to prove their innocence through a new project which relies on DNA testing. In the US the Innocence Project has already helped scores of people, including some on death row, to be exonerated through the help of DNA technology. Now the Innocence Project South Africa will strive to do the same. |
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People We Admire – Vanessa Lynch: Fairlady, May 2014 Vanessa Lynch is a different kind of crime-fighting heroine: she responded to the murder of her father in such a revolutionary way that it was enough to move government. |
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DNA project awareness welcomed: Newcastle Express, 22 April 2014 The DNA Project recently visited Newcastle to engage with SAPS, emergency services, security companies and business people about the South African DNA Database. At the workshop held at Farmers Hall, Specialist Forensic Trainer, Rhys McColl said that the DNA database contains profiles from certain suspects arrested for criminal offenses which were collected from crime scenes. |
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Forum highlights crime scene awareness: Bedfordview and Edenvale News, 03 April 2014 The Bedfordview domestic worker’s forum meeting took place at the Methodist Church in Bedfordview on Wednesday, March 26. The meeting featured Mr David Swanepoel, a volunteer from The DNA Project, an initiative that creates crime scene awareness in South Africa. |
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PRESS RELEASE: Global DNA Database News – South Africa passes DNA legislation: 07 March 2014 South Africa has become the 57th country to pass criminal offender DNA database legislation/policy. President Zuma signed the legislation on January 29, 2014. Consistent with global DNA database trends, the new law will require most people convicted or arrested for crimes to submit a DNA sample. Also consistent with global trends, arrestee samples and profiles will be destroyed if not convicted. |
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DNA law to boost SA’s crime fight: IOL News, 21 February 2014 It took a distraught Lindie Mdluli several days to summon the courage to go to a South African police station after she was raped in 2007. When she got there, Mdluli says that police officers didn’t discuss the kind of investigative DNA work that she had seen on television detective shows. |
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DNA Bill robust – Phiyenga: eNCA, 18 February 2014 National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega has described the rollout of the DNA Bill as robust. Signed into law just a few weeks ago, the legislation is set to be implemented over the next five years. |
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DNA Bill could take 5 years to implement: City Press, 14 February 2014 It may take up to five years before the newly passed DNA bill is in full swing, says Vanessa Lynch, one of the people behind the new forensic legislation. |
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DNA Act a monumental step forward for SA: Engineering News, 13 February 2014 The promulgation of the new DNA Act in January was a “monumental step forward” for South Africa as the nation battled high levels of crime, but an easy implementation should not be expected. |
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Two new laws to speed up the process of justice: Saturday Star, 01 February 2014 The DNA Act. The act will allow South Africa to create an extensive DNA database which law enforcement officers can use while investigating crimes. |
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DNA Act passed, mandatory DNA collection for serious crimes on the cards: Engineering News, 30 January 2014 The path has been cleared for South Africa to have its own extensive DNA database for use by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the investigation of crimes. The DNA Act has been signed by President Jacob Zuma and published in the Government Gazette, bringing to fruition a decade of work for Vanessa Lynch and her colleagues from The DNA Project. |
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DNA Act to keep tabs on crooks: Cape Argus, 30 January 2014 THE DNA Bill – which will make it mandatory for police to take DNA samples from people arrested for serious crimes and convicted offenders, to be used as part of a national database – was written into law this week. |
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Act opens door to DNA analysis: Legalbrief, 29 January 2014 The Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act 37/2013 was published yesterday in the Government Gazette, paving the way for the use of forensic DNA analysis during criminal investigations, reports Legalbrief Policy Watch. |
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DNA Bill Signed into Law: SabinetLaw, 29 January 2014 President Zuma has signed the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill into law. |
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Operation: CSI DNA: O Magazine, February 2014 Vanessa Lynch was a high-flying lawyer when her father was brutally murdered. She tells Tracy Melass how the tragedy transformed her into an anti-crime activist. |
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FOR THE BAD GUYS, LIFE JUST GOT TOUGHER: Cape Times, Tues 28 January 2014 Story by Aly Verbaan KILLERS walk among us. In the past, shoddy police work and inadequate forensic facilities have conspired to help criminals pull off the perfect crime. But it should not be quite so easy to get away with murder these days. |
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Talk Radio 702: Jenny Crwys-Williams Show. Radio interview with DNA Project founder Vanessa Lynch – 14 January 2014 |
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CAMPROSA conference 2013: Hi-Tech Security Solutions, Vol. 20, No. 1 – January 2014 CAMPROSA, the Campus Protection Society of South Africa, held its annual conference at the Boardwalk Conference Centre in Port Elizabeth in November. The focus of this year’s conference was ‘Using science and technology to combat crime’. |
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‘Widespread support for draft DNA bill’: The Mercury, 04 December 2013 DNA evidence is more important and accurate than fingerprints and can exonerate the innocent as well as convict the guilty. |
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Blow the Whistle Campaign Launch 2013 ‘Blow the whistle’ to save your life: The Witness, 25 November 2013 |
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Blow the Whistle Campaign Launch 2013 Legacy Lifestyle “Blows the Whistle” on violent crime against women: themarketingsite.com, 22 November 2013 |
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Blow the Whistle Campaign Launch 2013 5FM’s Sureshine Rider joins Legacy Lifestyle to launch innovative corporate social initiative: Publicity Update, 22 November 2013 |
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‘Make sex-offender register public’: The Herald, 20 November 2013 The PE Lobby for Change is planning to push next year for violent and sexual offenders’ registers to be open to the public. The group, in conjunction with Yokhuselo Haven in Port Elizabeth and the DNA Project – a group which has been lobbying parliament to implement the DNA bill – hosted a workshop on Monday to discuss matters like the correct procedures for retrieving DNA. |
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Law Report – Classic FM with Karen Keys , 18 November 2013 |
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DNA Project meets in Bay: The Herald, 14 November 2013 |
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The DNA Bill: a new way to fight crime – Radio 702 with Redi Tlhabi, 13 November 2013 |
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DNA bill a huge help, says ex-top cop: The Star, 13 November 2013 Brigadier Piet Byleveld wishes the DNA Amendment Bill had come into effect 20 years ago. He believes many rapes and murders would have been prevented had it been in place then. |
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Persistence sees two rapists convicted: The Star, 13 November 2013 Karen Howell, who was raped by two men in her home, says her rapists were caught and convicted because of DNA evidence. |
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Road to transformation: JSE Magazine, Oct/Dec 2013 The JSE was one of the first companies to sponsor the Change a Life Cycle Tour when it was launched in SA in 2008 because the stock exchange identified with the causes that the Mike Thomson Change a Life Trust supports. The JSE has remained one of the key sponsors because the event is ab effective vehicle used to support come prevention and development initiatives. |
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Private DNA training shot in arm for local crime investigations: CXpress, Issue 376 – 06 November 2013 TWO public training sessions recently took place in George suburbs Rosemore and Parkdene to raise public awareness of how to treat crime scenes before police arrive. Warrant officer Gerhard Wiese of George SAPS explained that the training locations were carefully chosen to take place where they could be most effective. |
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Author Interview: Robbed of a life but not meaning: BDlive, 05 November 2013 DIANA Thomson’s life was changed forever on the stormy night eight years ago when her son Mike was stabbed and shot repeatedly as he fought for his life, while trying to protect his wife and little children in their Johannesburg home. |
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Serial rapists in DNA Bill’s sights: The Citizen, 04 November 2013 A powerful tool for fighting serial rapists is edging closer to becoming a reality. |
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Vanessa Lynch interview: Classic Business Live FM102.7, 28 October 2013 Michael Avery interviews Vanessa Lynch about the latest update in respect of the DNA Bill, its recent ratification by the NCOP and its imminent promulgation. |
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Will enlarged DNA database help police in crime fight?: Engineering News, 25 October 2013 Matching a human being’s distinct genetic blueprint, the person’s DNA, found on a crime scene, to a profile found on an extensive DNA database of offenders seems like a simple exercise these days. Done on almost every American cop show on television, and at law enforcement agencies in numerous countries around the world, it is hard to believe that it is not such an easy task in South Africa. |
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Will enlarged DNA database help police in crime fight?: Engineering News, 25 October 2013 Matching a human being’s distinct genetic blueprint, the person’s DNA, found on a crime scene, to a profile found on an extensive DNA database of offenders seems like a simple exercise these days. Done on almost every American cop show on television, and at law enforcement agencies in numerous countries around the world, it is hard to believe that it is not such an easy task in South Africa. |
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DNA Bill closer to becoming a law: The Citizen, 11 October 2013 The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) is expected to pass the much anticipated Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill, popularly known as the DNA Bill, next week. |
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DNA bill on fast track: Oversight Forum, September/October 2013 When Jessica Foord was gang raped in 2008 in KwaZulu-Natal while she and her father were walking their dogs, her worst nightmare was just beginning. Presenting her story at public hearings on the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill, Jessica told of the rape and how what happened to her afterwards made her ordeal far worse, as Kanyisa Ndondya reports. |
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DNA bill will make it hard for criminals to hide: Cape Argus, 4 September 2013 Cape Town – Sitting in the public gallery of the National Assembly on August 22, I watched in disbelief as the long-awaited DNA law – the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill – was almost not voted on because of a technical glitch in the electronic voting system. |
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Lynch’s long battle to see DNA bill passed: Saturday Star, 31 August 2013 VANESSA Lynch is the founding member of the DNA Project. When her father was brutally murdered in Johannesburg in 2004, she made it her mission to help educate South Africa about the vital role that DNA evidence can play in helping to convict criminals. |
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Letting the evidence speak: People’s Post, 27 August 2013 Tampering with evidence at a crime scene could result in criminals getting away with murder. It also, inevitably, means there is no closure for loved ones. And, police say, evidence collected at crime scenes found to have been tampered with or collected incorrectly is inadmissible in court. |
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Letting evidence speak: People’s Post, 27 August 2013 Tampering with evidence at a crime scene could result in criminals getting away with murder. It also, inevitably, means there is no closure for loved ones. And, police say, evidence collected at crime scenes found to have been tampered with or collected incorrectly is inadmissible in court. |
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Police to get new weapon to fight crime: Business Day, 26 August 2013 … Despite its hefty price tag, South Africa’s Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill was approved by the National Assembly last week, meaning it has successfully completed the first stage of becoming law. |
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Police to get new weapon to fight crime: Business Day Live, 26 August 2013 … Despite its hefty price tag, South Africa’s Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill was approved by the National Assembly last week, meaning it has successfully completed the first stage of becoming law. |
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DNA bill approved in assembly: Times Live, 22 August 2013 The DNA bill is one step closer to being signed into law after the National Assembly passed it on Thursday afternoon. |
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National Assembly approves DNA bill: IOL News, 22 August 2013 Parliament, Cape Town – The so-called DNA bill is one step closer to being signed into law after the National Assembly passed it on Thursday afternoon. |
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DNA bill approved: News 24, 22 August 2013 Cape Town – The so-called DNA bill is one step closer to being signed into law after the National Assembly passed it on Thursday afternoon. |
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National Assembly to vote on DNA bill: Times Live, 21 August 2013 The National Assembly will vote on the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill, the ANC in Parliament said. |
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National Assembly to vote on DNA bill: IOL News, 21 August 2013 The National Assembly will vote on the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill, the ANC in Parliament said. |
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National Assembly to vote on DNA bill: News24 21 August 2013 The National Assembly will vote on the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill, the ANC in Parliament said. |
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Police given insights in DNA evidence Members of NGO, the DNA Project, cheered on as the Criminal Law Forensic Procedures Amendment Bill was approved in Parliament on Tuesday, 13 August, while they were training Brighton Beach SAP cluster commanders about the use of DNA evidence to help solve crimes… |
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“SA: CSI” : All Africa, 20 August 2013 When Vanessa Lynch’s father was brutally murdered in Johannesburg in 2004, she made it her mission to help educate South Africa about the vital role that DNA evidence can play in helping to convict criminals. Nine years on, her DNA Project campaign has just taken a major step forward. On Wednesday, the National Assembly is set to approve the DNA Bill, which will set up a national database collecting forensic DNA profiles from convicted criminals and those arrested for serious crimes. |
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“SA: CSI” : Daily Maverick, 20 August 2013 When Vanessa Lynch’s father was brutally murdered in Johannesburg in 2004, she made it her mission to help educate South Africa about the vital role that DNA evidence can play in helping to convict criminals. Nine years on, her DNA Project campaign has just taken a major step forward. On Wednesday, the National Assembly is set to approve the DNA Bill, which will set up a national database collecting forensic DNA profiles from convicted criminals and those arrested for serious crimes. |
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Ten years later, success for driving force behind DNA bill … Vanessa Lynch cheered loudly in Parliament as a bill, for which she was essentially the driving force, was passed this week. The bill will ensure that in future murderers like those of her father will not go unpunished. |
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DNA Bill Closer to becoming law: IT Online, 14 August 2013 The so-called “DNA Bill”, the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill, has been adopted by the National Assembly’s oversight committee, paving the way to it being signed into law. |
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New-look DNA Bill adopted: Times Live, 14 August 2013 THE “DNA Bill” intended to strengthen the police’s powers to collect samples for forensic examination and to store DNA profiles has been adopted by the National Assembly’s oversight committee. |
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High court system set for changes as Zuma signs legislation: Business Day Live, 14 August 2013 …Parliament’s police committee has approved the “DNA bill” that will create a DNA database as a mechanism to fight crime. |
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“So what’s all this about a DNA Bill?” : Dreaming to the Future, 14 August 2013 You may have heard, in the last day or two, about the ‘DNA Bill’ being approved in Parliament. This is a really exciting step forward for science and for the reach of law in South Africa. This post will look into the history and effectiveness of DNA profiling, and what in means in this country. |
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“South Africa: Can We Have the Bill Please?” : All Africa, 14 August 2013 The adoption of the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill by the Portfolio Committee on Police has been welcomed as a move that will make the country’s streets safer, but Committee Chairperson, Ms Annelize van Wyk, says the South African Police Service (SAPS) must get a move on with drafting its cost. |
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Police Committee adopts DNA Bill: Parliament, 14 Agust 2013: The Portfolio Committee on Police has adopted the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill. Committee Chairperson, Ms Annelize van Wyk, said she was aware that the Bill would not eradicate crime but it would contribute immensely to its crime-fighting efforts. |
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Victory as DNA bill is passed – unless your crime is in your genes: Cape Times, 14 August 2013 THE adoption of the DNA bill by MPs yesterday was a big step towards removing dangerous criminals from South Africa’s streets, the DNA Project said. MPs turned to the back of the committee room as one woman clapped excitedly when police portfolio committee chair Annelize van Wyk announced the bill was approved. |
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NGO lauds adoption of DNA bill: IOL News, 13 August 2013 …MPs turned to the back of the committee room as one woman started clapping excitedly when police portfolio committee chair Annelize van Wyk announced the bill was approved. That woman was DNA Project director Vanessa Lynch, who has been fighting for the promulgation of a law governing the handling of DNA samples from crime scenes for the past nine years. |
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Passing DNA bill a step forward – NGO: News24, 13 August 2013 Cape Town – The adoption of the DNA bill by MPs on Tuesday was a big step towards removing dangerous criminals from South Africa’s streets, the DNA Project said. |
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Passing DNA bill a step forward – NGO: Zimbabwe Star, 13 August 2013 Cape Town – The adoption of the DNA bill by MPs on Tuesday was a big step towards removing dangerous criminals from South Africa’s streets, the DNA Project said. |
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Bosses cycle for a cause: City Press, 11 August 2013 …Currently, the fund supports the following initiatives: The DNA Project – which is advancing the use of DNA evidence in bringing criminals to justice… |
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Father’s murder sparks legal lobby: Cape Times, 8 August 2013 BLOOD on a barbed wire fence and a bottle of brandy and Coke. Enough evidence for identification, and maybe for conviction. Except it wasn’t. No one swabbed the fence and the police threw away the bottle and the dead man’s clothing… (View PDF) |
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Father’s murder sparks ambitious legal lobby: Cape Times, 8 August 2013 Vanessa contacted Leigh Matthew’s father Rob, saying: ‘You have been given a voice for whatever reason and you have to use it.’ His reponse was: ‘I agree’. |
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Misdaadtonele: Wat jy moet doen – en nié moet doen nie: Die Burger, 7 August 2013 “Ons wil seker maak dat mense weet wat om te doen by ’n misdaadtoneel en wat hulle nie mag doen nie. . . los dit vir die polisie.” |
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Nyanga residents get CSI training: IOL News, 6 August 2013 Cape Town – Nyanga residents have been shown how to secure a crime scene, should they arrive before the police, so that evidence is preserved. |
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DNA bill by year end: News 24, 31 July 2013 Cape Town – MPs are edging closer to passing the DNA bill – a much needed tool to improve conviction rates in the country. Deliberations on the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment bill – which covers the use of DNA as evidence in criminal investigations – continued in Parliament’s police portfolio committee on Wednesday. |
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Passing of DNA Bill closer: IOL News, 31 July 2013 |
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“Is SA ready for DNA Legislation?”: eNCA, 5 July 2013 As Parliamentary discussions on the DNA Bill are expected to resume at the end of the month, the South African Police Services (SAPS) Forensics Services Laboratories (FSL) says it is ready to execute its implementation plan when the bill is passed… |
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“DNA is the modern-day fingerprint”: Women & Home Magazine, July 2013 Vanessa Lynch chats to Bridget McNulty about losing her father and launching a brand-new career by setting up a non-profit organisation called the DNA Project. |
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DNA Bill set to drastically improve rate of murder and rape convictions: The South African, 19 June 2013 If the South African DNA Bill is passed, it will allow for the creation of a national DNA database by taking non-intimate DNA samples from suspects will help police to find criminals responsible for unsolved murders or rapes when they are arrested for other offences… |
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DNA databank on the cards for SA: East Coast Radio Interview, 18 June 2013 Currently, South Africa doesn’t have a comprehensive database that would help detectives link criminals to crimes using their DNA. A civil society group, the DNA Project, has been working closely with government to help put together the legislation. |
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DNA Bill could deal a serious blow to crime: Weekend Argus, 15 June 2015 |
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Police Committee concludes hearings on DNA Bill: SA Government Information, 13 June 2013 The Committee is pleased that various stakeholders said that the new version of the Bill showed a vast improvement on the previous version. Although some stakeholders had raised concerns with aspects of the Bill, they were generally in support of the Bill. |
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‘World-class’ DNA bill lauded: Daily News | IOL.co.za, 12 June 2013 Described as a world-class piece of legislation, the DNA bill before Parliament could see thousands of unsolved crimes being reopened and finalised through the establishment of a central DNA database. |
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MP’s pushing for DNA Bill : eNCA, 5 June 2013 Many believe the proposed DNA Bill could have a profound impact on fighting crime and improving conviction rates. |
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DNA bill could dramatically increase conviction rate: IOL News, 28 May 2013 …The Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill (referred to as the DNA bill) is now before Parliament and, if voted into law, could drastically change South Africa’s conviction rate, with repeat offenders being caught earlier than was previously possible… |
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Talk Radio 702 – John Robbie – 28 May 2013 |
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DNA! ‘Do Not Abscond’ from opportunity to curb crime A time to act has arrived. The goal of this month’s article is simply to spur you on towards a tangible and significant contribution against something that affects us all in South Africa – CRIME |
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Bill “could help catch criminals”: IOL News, 23 April 2013 Proponents of the bill say it has the potential to help police take violent criminals off South Africa’s streets. |
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DNA Bill heads to Parliament : IOL News, 22 April 2013 … Lynch said that by facilitating police efforts, the DNA Bill would put more offenders behind bars. |
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DNA Bill to go before Parliament : Bush Radio 89.5 fm, 22 April 2013 The Criminal Law Amendment Bill, also known as the DNA Bill will finally be discussed in Parliament. This is after a five year delay… |
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Criminal Law Amendment Bill (2013) Approved : SA Government News, 19 April 2013 Cabinet has approved the introduction of the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill, 2013, to Parliament. |
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“The law and you” with Garry Hertzberg, Wednesday, 10 April 2013 at 6pm, ChaiFM 101.9. The importance and implications of DNA profiling and the DNA Bill and how the new laws will regulate the taking of DNA from arrestees as well as convicted offenders. |
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SA Police “Clueless in Forensics”: Sunday Argus, 17 March 2013 Call to fast-track SA’s DNA database |
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“Do police have the basic skills to justify DNA Bill?”: Saturday Star, 16 March 2013 “SAPS can’t even get basics of crime scene forensics right and legislation won’t solve this”… |
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It’s all in the detail : You Magazine, 14 March 2013 Evidence collected and analysed at the scene of a crime can make or break a case. Here’s how forensic teams go about their work… |
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Passing of DNA Bill at a StandStill: eNCA | eNews Channel, 6 March 2003 Four years since first being mooted, South Africa is still no closer to passing a DNA Bill. |
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‘Crisis point reached’… Fast-track DNA database & review act – MPs : Cape Times, 6-03-2013 … Authorities on the subject have said that expanding the national DNA database could go a long way in helping police catch rapists and other criminals, and have expressed frustration at Parliment’s failure to pass such a bill… |
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DNA Bill set for adoption in two weeks : SABC News, 5 March 2013 Cabinet is expected to adopt the long awaited DNA Bill in the next two weeks, after which it will be put up for public comment… |
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Black Friday protest highlights value of DNA evidence : UCT, 25 February 2013 … a call for South Africans to wear black on the day as a campaign to raise awareness of the country’s high statistics of rape and violence against women… |
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Enacting DNA Bill could stop serial rapists: The Star, 14 February 2013 The Bredasdorp Magistrate’s Court was packed with spectators when two men appeared in connection with the rape and murder of … |
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Committee stalling on DNA bill that would save lives: Cape Argus, 11 February 2013 “… on a scale unequalled anywhere else on Earth, hundreds and thousands of children’s lives are sacrificed because of the failure to act by our politians in South Africa…” |
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Better DNA database ‘would help fight crime’ : Sunday Argus, 10 February 2013 Expanding the national DNA database would go a long way towards helping police catch rapists and other criminals… |
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“Straight to Jail” says the DNA: Servamus, January 2013 (PDF) |
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Jennifer’s Fate Still A Mystery to Family, 17 January 2013 (PDF) 3 weeks after girl’s body was found, DNA analysis is still pending… |
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DNS is “die beste geweer”: Rapport, 23 December 2012(PDF) |
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DNS is “die beste geweer”: Rapport, 22 December 2012 |
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DNA dogs are a criminal’s worst friend: The Independent, 15 December 2012 |
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16 Days of Activism: Mail & Guardian, 7-13 December 2013 |
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Three letters can save many lives: Daily News, December 2012 Sexually abused women must lobby for the introduction of a DNA profiling database, to prevent women from being raped by seriel offers, says Carolyn Hancock, directory of DNA Project. |
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The DNA Project: Cosmopolitan (Kicks Butt), November 2012 According to the United Nations, South Africa ranks first in the world, per capita, for sexual assault and rape, and the number of reported rapes is around 200 every day… |
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Solving Crime with DNA: Quest Science Magazine (Issue 8, Vol 2), November 2012 (PDF) What is the real story around DNA and crime scenes? Vanessa Lynch and Carolyn Hancock look at the facts. |
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Teach SA’s police “to protect crime scene”: BDLive, 24 October 2012 ALL officers in the South African Police Service (SAPS) should be trained in crime scene protection to promote more successful detective work, a top-level parliamentary report has recommended… |
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DNA database reduces time: Sowetan Live, 27 August 2012 BRING IT TO RSA – ‘Research indicates that 90% of rapists are repeat offenders and 50% of armed robbers are also repeat offenders… |
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Stalled bill could save lives: Sowetan Live, 27 August 2012 A BILL that would allow South Africa to use its DNA database to fight crime has been stuck in parliament for four years… |
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DNA Installation Cape Town, June 2012 (pdf) |
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Protecting evidence of a crime: The Star, 22 June 2012 The DNA Project set up a large sand pit with the face of a criminal painted onto it at the Cape Town Train Station. As people walked over the sand the face gradually lost its resemblance. The aim was to inform the public the importance of not disturbing a crime scene to preserve any DNA evidence that may have been left behind. |
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‘Do Not Disturb’ sign highlights DNA goals: Pretoria News, 22 June 2012 The most helpful thing you can do on a crime scene is not to touch anything. Washing away the blood, removing a cold-drink can near the body and even walking around the crime scene could destroy crucial evidence and result in detectives failing to piece together enough evidence to make an arrest. |
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DNS-profiele van veroordeelde misdadigers gou in databank: Die Burger, 21 June 2012 |
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MPs want DNA database bill speeded up: Business Day, 19 June 2012 |
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Police back in Parliament to recommend DNA database: Business Day, 19 June 2012 (pdf) |
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Police back in Parliament to recommend DNA database: Business Day, 19 June 2012 |
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Talk Radio 702 – David O’Sullivan interviews Vanessa Lynch, 14 June 2012 |
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Talk Radio 702 – DNA database is long overdue, 13 June 2012 |
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Wednesday is crunch time for DNA database: Engineering News, 12 June 2012 (on line version) |
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Wednesday is crunch time for DNA database, Engineering News, 12 June 2012 (pdf) |
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Barring Easy Escape: The Star, 12 June 2012 “We have serial offenders acting with impunity and getting away with murder. This (DNA profiling) is a phenomenal way to link offenders to the crimes at the earliest stage,” says Lynch. |
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The Star, 12 June 2012 Call to Create DNA Profiling Database, The Star, Tuesday 12 June 2012 |
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DNA database would protect citizens against re-offenders: The Times, 1 June 2012 (pdf) |
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The Big Issue South Africa | Criminals getting away with murder … (31 May 2012) This is according to the DNA Project, a non-profit organisation working to ensure justice is meted out to criminals through the proper use of DNA analysis and a … www.bigissue.org.za/…/criminals-getting-away-with-murder-s… |
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Lines in sand trace criminial links – Cape Argus, May 2012 |
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Told with Conviction – Weekend Argus, May 2012 |
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Talk Radio 702 – Udo Carelse – May 2012 |
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Weekend Post – Saturday, March 2012 |
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567 CapeTalk Radio – Chris Asplen – February 2012 |
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The Star .Editorial. 19 Dec 2008 |
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The Star. Front Page. 18 Dec 2008 |
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DailyNews.Dec 2008 |
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The Star.Dec2008 |
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Mercury Page 2 May 2008 |
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DNA from The Big Issue.May 2009 |
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Sunday Tribune Nov 2007 |
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Daily News Article.March 2007 |
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The Star.Mar2007 |
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SundayArgus.Apr2007 |
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marieclaire.Sep2005 |
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