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Plants can play a vital role in linking individuals to crime scenes: from the leaves we step on to the pollen that stick to our clothes. If you are curious about the secret language of plants and the link to crime scenes, be sure to read the article about Forensic Botany published in Servamus: September 2020.
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Forensics is a fascinating science with a variety of subdisciplines that are used to link an individual to a crime scene. In an article published in Servamus: September 2020, we highlight some of the lesser known forensic disciplines.
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Wildlife crime can be fought by using forensics, such as in poaching incidents where forensics is used to link seized rhino horn or ivory to a crime scene. If you want to read about the development of wildlife forensics, be sure to read the article in Servamus: September 2020.
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By Kotie Geldenhuys
When crimes are committed, the first thing criminals want to do is to get rid of the evidence that would link them to that crime. That is why some of them will wear gloves or hoodies, they will try to wash off blood and cover their tracks. But, eventually, chances are that they will be caught as there is no such thing as a perfect crime. Sometimes the smallest and seemingly insignificant thing can result in a conviction and prosecution. Knots and ligatures are examples of those common oversights, turned evidence.
Read more: Knots and ligatures: Overlooked evidence which could lead to prosecution
Compiled by Kotie Geldenhuys
When Albert du Preez Myburgh abducted, sexually assaulted and murdered his close friend's eight-year-old daughter in May 1999, he did not realise that bugs would play a role in his conviction and sentence. He murdered Cindy-Ann Bauer after she had threatened to tell her parents that he had sexually abused her and left her body in an open field. Shortly after her disappearance, Myburgh was charged with her abduction. Seven weeks later, Cindy-Ann's decomposed body was found in the veld and Myburgh was also charged with indecent assault (now sexual assault) and murder. Although he admitted to abducting the girl and "fondling" her, he pleaded not guilty to murder, maintaining that he was in jail when she died.
Read more: Forensic entomology: Using bugs to solve crime
By Kotie Geldenhuys
When Sinja Robin Mabitsela and Josias Xaniseka Mkansi (also known as the Alexandra Balaclava serial rapists) started their raping spree, they did not realise that their DNA would be their downfall. Over a period of eight years, which stretched from 2007 to 2015, they terrorised the community of Alexandra on the East Rand of Gauteng.
Read more: DNA: Stopping serial rapists in their tracks
By Kotie Geldenhuys
Imagine how challenging it must be for scientists to identify a victim when only skeleton remains are available… now imagine how much bigger this challenge becomes for forensic anthropologists when only burnt skeleton remains are available and they have to identify these bones.
Read more: Dealing with burnt skeleton remains through Forensic Anthropology
Servamus - September 2020
Pollex - September 2020
Letters - September 2020
Servamus' Mission
Servamus is a community-based safety and security magazine for both members of the community as well as safety and security practitioners with the aim of increasing knowledge and sharing information, dedicated to improving their expertise, professionalism and service delivery standards. It promotes sound crime management practices, freedom of speech, education, training, information sharing and a networking platform.
