Learn about forensics at Pinecrest Centre exhibit
The main aim of the programme/exhibition is to empower the community on the role of Forensic Science Laboratory in the fight against crime.
TO teach people about forensics and create awareness about the work they do and careers within the industry, the Forensic Science Laboratory in partnership with the Ethekwini Outer West Cluster, launched its inaugural festive season forensic/exhibition programme in Pinecrest Shopping Centre on Monday, 11 December.
The main aim of the programme/exhibition is to empower the community on the role of Forensic Science Laboratory in the fight against crime.
The exhibition also focuses on the dangers of substance/drug abuse.
Col Andile Mboyi, from the Forensic Science Laboratory, said they are part of the SAPS who work behind the scenes and work very closely with the police.
“We are also police officers but specialise in forensics and most of the people are not aware we exist and the job we do.”
Mboyi said their job is to process evidence, interpret it and pass on the information to the court.
He said there are many sections they deal with.
“Among them, we have ballistics which deals with guns, chemistry, drug related cases, fire investigation and biology where we test for DNA in rape and murder cases.
“It is very important that people preserve the evidence, when a person is raped, they should not bath so that we can get evidence by testing for DNA. We understand that it a horrific experience and people feel ashamed, but the DNA can ensure that the perpetrator gets sentenced.”
He said their biggest lab is in Cape Town and sometimes they have to send evidence to Pretoria as they do not have enough resources.
“That is the reason some cases get delayed. We use the same resources and methods as the people see on TV, but the difference is we can not solve cases in 30 minutes because this is real life.
Mboyi advised people to consider a career within SAPS.
“There are so many different departments within the SAPS, we encourage science graduates and matriculants who want to pursue a career within the South African Police Service and the Forensic Science Laboratory to visit this exhibition.
The programme will continue until Friday, 15 December. The exhibition is open from 9am to 3pm everyday.
