Forensic science is a discipline that functions within the parameters of the legal system and may have a remarkable contribution in supporting justice in crime investigation and other serious violations. Its purpose is to provide guidance to those conducting criminal investigations through the recognition and retrieval of evidence at crime scenes and accurate information on which they can rely on the resolution of criminal and civil disputes. Crime includes murder, rape, accident-related incidents, undisclosed persons, displaced persons, fraud-related cases, and forgery.

Forensic science is a critical element of the criminal justice system.  Forensic scientists examine and analyze evidence from crime scenes and elsewhere to develop objective findings that can assist in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of crime or absolve an innocent person from suspicion. 

Common forensic science laboratory disciplines include forensic molecular biology (DNA), forensic chemistry, trace evidence examination (hairs and fibers, paints and polymers, glass, soil, etc.), latent fingerprint examination, firearms and toolmarks examination, handwriting analysis, fire and explosives examinations, forensic toxicology, and digital evidence. 

Compliance with Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act, 2013 (Act No. 37 of 2013)

Parts of Forensic Science

• Forensic Odontology: assists in identifying victims when the body is left in an unrecognizable state.
• Forensic Toxicology:   includes biological sample processing in order to test for the existence of toxins and medications. This forensic science division is of vital importance in road accidents, poisoning, sexual assault etc.
• Forensic Anthropology: deals with the examination of damaged human remains or skeletons to assess age, height, gender and ethnicity.
• Forensic Pathology and Medicolegal Death Investigation: helps with the examination of the corpse in determining the cause of death and requires gathering and examining medical samples in order to deduce facts which are admissible in court.
• Trace Evidence : include substances such as fibres, dirt, hair, bullet residue, wood, and pollen and plays a crucial role in linking the perpetrator to the victim.
• Cyber Forensics: includes the study of electronic data and physical storage devices such as pen drives, hard disks, etc. Its main purpose is to recognize, store, retrieve, evaluate, and present facts and opinions on digital content. This is mostly used to prosecute cybercrimes, as well as civil events.
• Ballistics: is a technical forensic science dealing with motion, actions, movement, angular motion, and projectile impact, such as bullets, rockets, missiles, bombs, etc.

Role of Forensic Science in Criminal Investigations

Forensic science is an important feature of the criminal justice system. Essentially, it deals with exploring the scientific and physical clues collected from the crime scene. Forensic science describes the suspect’s distinctive nature which committed the crime. The evidence clearly points out the essence of the crime that was committed. The circumstantial evidence even refers to the time of the occurrence. The forensic evidence indicates where the crime is located. The forensic investigation even follows the offender’s process.

Finally, the motive behind the crime comes to a close. Forensic analysts recreate the peculiarity of the suspect and the victim. A forensic scientist’s roles and obligations in a criminal case are important as it includes carefully analysing the evidence with sufficient diligence so that it is not manipulated.

What we do?

Our Forensic Specialist is proficient in her trade and will assist you in all your Forensic needs. Having garnered experience from various government organizations and being a party to solving numerous high profile criminal investigations within the Republic.