The South African Police Service has once again demonstrated the vital role of DNA evidence in solving serious crimes and securing justice for victims. Through meticulous forensic work and dedicated investigative efforts, suspects in three separate rape cases have been identified and brought before the courts.
In the first case, Detective Warrant Officer Sehloho Mokheseng of the Aliwal North Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit successfully linked a suspect to the rape of an 81-year-old woman that occurred on 06 October 2023. The suspect allegedly broke into the victim’s home, dragged her to the ground, and raped her while threatening her with a knife. After the attack, the traumatized victim managed to reach neighbours who alerted the police. Crucial DNA evidence collected from the scene was submitted for forensic analysis.
The breakthrough came on 05 May 2025 when forensic experts matched the crime scene DNA to a suspect whose profile was already in the system from a previous robbery case. The suspect was promptly tracked down and arrested in Aliwal North. He made his first court appearance at the Aliwal North Magistrate’s Court on 07 May 2025 on a rape charge, with a bail hearing scheduled for 18 May 2025.
The same investigating officer achieved further success by linking DNA evidence to suspects in two additional rape cases.