The main focus of this dissertation was to evaluate the evidential value of crime scene investigation in child rape cases. There are two kinds of crime scenes that needed to be processed in sexual crimes. Firstly is the location of occurrence and secondly is the victim's body. The crime scene is in any crime the major source of information if correctly approach, but even more so in a child rape investigations. A few crimes rely so heavily upon physical evidence as does the crime of rape. It is therefore essential that all rape investigators have first-class knowledge of proper crime scene investigation methods and techniques. Since crime scenes not properly protected or process may fail the investigation in court and as a result see the suspect acquitted. The following physical evidence could link and assist the investigator to individualise the suspect during thorough crime scene investigation; body fluids such as semen, blood, saliva. Other evidence of physical nature commonly found at crime scenes includes fingerprints, footprints (impression evidence); soil evidence, hair evidence, and anything in general handled or left behind by the rapist at the crime scene. This dissertation strives to provide the Investigator with answers on, how, where, and when to process the crime scene. / Criminology and Security Science / M.Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

Serious and violent crime in South Africa (SA) has been on the rise in the last few years. The SAPS has been stretched to the maximum in its efforts of trying to stabilise the situation, and has applied various tactics and strategies to eradicate crime. This included, among other things, changes to the basic training programme and reintroduction of specialised units. The success or failure of any criminal investigation will still often depend on the detection and analysis of physical evidence found on the crime scene. Crimes such as rape will always leave behind physical evidence in the form of body-fluids. The detectives need not be experts in order to detect or analyse this physical evidence, but should be experienced enough to know which experts or investigative aids must be used to ensure maximum recovery of the evidence. The purpose of this study was to determine how the Biological Body-fluid Dog (BBFD) can assist detectives in the investigation of rape cases. The researcher has chosen a unique investigative aid in the form of man’s best friend, namely “The Police K9” (canine). The literature shows that trained police dogs have achieved outstanding success in numerous fields around the world, i.e. from narcotic busts, detection of explosives, to countering terrorist threats, to the most chilling search-and-rescue operations. The SAPS has sent its search-and-rescue dogs to many countries abroad to assist in natural disasters. Dogs have been trained by various police agencies for various purposes, but the BBFD dog is unique to the SAPS, and is trained to detect only human blood and semen. The use of K9s in the complex forensic science environment can never be doubted or overlooked. The main problem facing the Booysens SAPS was the low arrest and conviction rate in rape cases, due to a lack of evidence. The researcher hopes to broaden the detectives’ knowledge and skills regarding the objectives of crime investigation, with special focus on detection of physical evidence at rape crime scenes. The BBFD dog is trained to detect minute amounts of body fluid on any type or size of surface, including veld, bush areas, vehicles, carpets, grass, bedrooms, etc. / Police Practice / M.A. (Criminal Justice)

The use of credit cards has become a way of life in many parts of the world. Credit cards have also created many new opportunities for criminal activity. It is in this light that organizations such as VISA International have explored a variety of security alternatives by constantly reviewing security measures that may be applied to cards and devote considerable resources to the maintenance of security systems and programmes. These programmes mandated by the association, include uniform card standards, security standards for manufactures, embossing and encoding of cards, standards for mailing the cards and credit background investigations of applicants. These standards assist investigators in examining counterfeit cards and distinguish a counterfeit card from a genuine card. The constant reviewing of security features and methods by the association is to create a card that is technically difficult to alter or counterfeit. / Criminology and Security Science / M.Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

The aim of this paper is to research how advanced accounting software can be used by police detectives, financial risk specialists and forensic investigation specialists, who are responsible for the investigation and tracing of the reintegration of proceeds of crime, from underground banking into formal banking system (pro active and reactive money laundering investigation) with a view on criminal prosecution. The research started of by looking at the basic ways how proceeds of crime are smuggled before it is integrated into the formal banking system. In that context, the phenomenon of Underground banking was researched. Currency smuggling, Hawala currency transfer schemes and the way in which it is used to move proceeds of crime were discussed in detail. Thereafter Formal banking and the way in which proceeds of crime is reintegrated from underground banking structures into formal banking systems were discussed. The use of advanced accounting software to trace the point where proceeds of crime are reintegrated into formal banking were researched extensively. Accounting software and investigative techniques on how to trace financial transactions which might be tainted with proceeds of crime were discussed. Accounting software which can be used on office computers such as laptops were discussed and more advanced automated systems which can be used to trace proceeds of crime transactions in the formal banking systems were also discussed. In specific, the investigative techniques on how to use these systems as investigative tools were discussed in great detail. This research paper gives a truly unique perspective on the financial investigative and analytical angle on proceeds of crime and money laundering detection. / Criminal Justice / M.Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

Crime in South Africa is very close to getting out of control. There is a dramatic increase especially in violent crimes such as murder, hijacking, business robberies, house robberies, rapes and armed robberies where innocent people get killed daily. This has the public shivering in fear. The South African Police Service are responsible for the prevention and investigation of all crimes committed. The Detective Service has the unpleasant task of hunting down the criminals that are responsible for committing these crimes. When a crime is committed and a suspect is arrested, the detectives must use all techniques and methods available to them to connect the suspect with the crime. The positive linkage of a suspect with a crime can lead to a conviction in court and one less criminal on the streets of South Africa. One technique that can be used is pointing out of a crime scene. This research is all about the pointing out of crime scenes. / Police Practice / M. Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

Democratic and accountable policing is one of the hallmarks of democracy. In a healthy democracy, a police service exists to protect and support the rights of its community by successfully listening to those who are laying complaints and resolving to assist them by bringing the perpetrators to the grinding wheels of justice. Encouraging and ensuring that police officials utilise the most modern means of investigation such as the DNA technology, provides the necessary balance to the exercise of professional discretion and heightened conviction rate by the police officials. The utilisation of biological evidence in investigation of rape cases is such a modern intervention – a way of providing insulation against internal and external interference with the proper and successful investigation of rape cases. / Forensic Investigation / M. Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

Copper cable theft (CCT) has a devastating effect on the South African economy, and essential services such as TELKOM, ESKOM AND TRANSNET have been seriously disrupted, due to CCT. This dissertation focuses on the value of the cell phone record as a source of intelligence during (CCT) investigations. The cell phone industry is growing each year, and millions of people worldwide possess a cell phone. Some of these people are involved in criminal activities – which mean that cell phones, with their advanced capabilities, hold evidence which relates to crime. The activation of cell phone activity is contained on a cell phone record, and, when analysed, such information becomes intelligence which has a positive impact on CCT investigations. The purpose of this study is to assist and give guidance to investigators, in order to analyse the cell phone record(s) of CCT thieves. / Criminology and Security Science / M. Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

Text in English / This research attempts to analyse the modus operandi (MO) of perpetrators used in cases of trafficking in persons for sexual purposes, and trafficking in children. The Trafficking in Persons Bill was passed in South Africa, but not gazetted; therefore, alternate charges are used to prosecute perpetrators. The purpose, value and elements of MO allow an investigator to link a perpetrator to a specific crime scene. The research provides an examination of case dockets and the MO of perpetrators in human trafficking – inter alia, looking at such issues as time, location, transport routes used, criminal motive, recruitment styles, and the number of offenders. The MO of perpetrators identified during docket analysis indicates many similarities, when compared to the international MO of traffickers. The gathering of MO information forms a critical part of any investigation to link a perpetrator to a crime. This research therefore presents a comprehensive examination of the MO of perpetrators, and delivers practical recommendations to monitor and combat trafficking. / Police Practice / M. Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

This study sought to examine the significance of modus operandi information in the investigation of copper theft. Data was collected by means of a literature study and individual semi-structured interviews conducted with detectives at the SAPS Philippi East, in the Nyanga policing cluster, in the Western Cape, to promote knowledge and understanding of the significance of modus operandi information in copper theft investigations. A comprehensive literature study, concerning the dynamics of modus operandi information in forensic investigation and copper theft in South Africa, was conducted. From the results of this research, it appears that participants do realize the significance of modus operandi information in the investigation of copper theft. It is, however, evident that they do not optimally utilize modus operandi information regarding copper thieves as a result of limited experience, case docket overload, and the inaccessibility of available data – all of which inhibit the establishment of modus operandi information pertaining to copper thieves. Role-players in the copper theft investigation sphere isolate themselves from each other and do not share the available modus operandi information amongst each other; these results in a non-systematic integrated approach to copper theft investigation. The study identifies the challenges and shortcomings, experienced by detectives at SAPS Philippi East, which inhibit the optimal utilization of modus operandi information in the investigation of copper theft. The study then puts forward a set of recommendations that could assist the SAPS, the relevant parastatals and other role-players in enhancing the utilization of such information. / Criminology and Security Science / M. Tech. (Forensic Investigation)