BY: SINETHEMBA ZONDI
The South African Police Service(SAPS) Crime scene examiners and investigators from all nine provinces today received more than 130 vehicles that will enhance their response time to crime scenes.
Crime scene examiners form part of the Detective and Forensic Science capacity within the SAPS under the Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management Component which is responsible for crime scene investigations. On a daily basis, crime scene examiners are called out to crime scenes to identify, gather and collect evidence that will enable detectives to link perpetrators to crime scenes.
These examiners will preserve the data collected either through fingerprints, videos, photographs, statements, and any other exhibits which will ultimately be presented before court as part of evidence in a criminal case.
In a quest to prevent , combat and put perpetrators of crime behind bars, law enforcement agencies across the world make use of Crime Scene Investigators/Examiners to examine and document crime scenes: locate, identify and process forensic evidence methodically and scientifically; and or collect, package, and preserve forensic evidence; reconstruct crime scenes; and present evidence to courts.
Crime scene examination therefore plays a pivotal role in narrating the events of a crime, which assists law enforcement in the exoneration of the innocent and the prosecution of perpetrators of crime during the judicial process. The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola says Forensic evidence has attributed to high volumes of solved cases over the past year.
“Crime scene analysis is the first and most crucial step of a forensic investigation. After a crime has occurred, the first hours of an investigation are of the utmost importance for the police to retrieve information about the identity of potential suspects and to attain relevant facts. This is why we are here pumping these units with more resources to enable them to function optimally”, said Gen Masemola
The Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele says capacitating and resourcing various units within the SAPS, remains a priority.
“As the police ministry, we remain steadfast and dedicated in ensuring more boots on the ground. Of importance has been the resourcing of our specialised units with a focus on our Forensic Science Labs. Our Detective and Forensic Science division remains instrumental in ensuring lengthy jail sentences for perpetrators of crime throughout the country. Our detectives and experts really go beyond the call of duty to serve the people of South Africa “ said, Minister Cele.
The important investigative work done by Crime Scene Investigators/Examiners and Crime Scene Laboratory Forensic Analysts contributes significantly to the solving of crime and thus these role-players are an intrinsic part to the South African criminal justice system.
