What is forensic DNA profiling and why does it matter?

Whether you're a change advocate, law-maker, scientist or general public... this podcast is for you!

Vanessa Lynch, director of DNAforAfrica introduces the topic of this series, which will help you understand the impact of DNA in the criminal justice system.

Please subscribe for more episodes and write to us if there's anything more you'd like to hear about.

If you are a fan of True Crime South Africa (who isn't?), we have dropped the mic on the Queen of Crime, Nicole Engelbrecht, who regales us with intriguing cases of crime and mystery, including some solved with DNA. In a 'twist' to the story, Vanessa turns the mic on Nicole where they discuss what goes on behind the scenes of Nicole's popular podcasts, how she manages to counter the psychological impact of describing these seemingly unbelievable stories and we get a glimpse into what's next on her podcast platform (and the indomitable Chumlee!), to name a few.

Mpho Mashita and Complexion from Capricorn FM interviewed Vanessa Lynch about the Convicted Offender Bill being signed into law by President Ramaphosa in South Africa.

After years of tireless lobbying, this represents a huge milestone for our criminal justice system and victims of violent crime:

the DNA Act mandates that convicted offenders must have their DNA samples before release. These are then added to the criminal DNA database, with the potential to solve cold cases, exonerate the innocent, and discourage recidivism, especially in sexual violence cases which is so common ion South Africa.

#DNAlaw #COBill

Every day new horrifying headlines spark fear in the hearts of all South Africans, adding more stress to their daily existence.

In a two-part podcast, A Criminal's Paradise, we examine three cases of victims let down by the criminal justice system.

Three women, three different crimes, three different sets of socio-economic circumstances, but one common thread runs through their cases – a police service that failed to protect them.

https://specialprojects.news24.com/criminals-paradise/

Jabulani Zulu from IMvula FM based in Newcastle, KZN talks to Vanessa Lynch about how to understand the DNA backlog numbers, solutions for the government to explore, chain of custody and the incredible potential of taking arrestee samples, updating the DNA database so that repeat offenders can be put behind bars.

#COBill

More than 80 people appeared in the Krugersdorp Magistrate's Court this week in connection with a gang rape and robbery, but none of the accused has been directly linked to the rapes as yet.

Instead, they are being charged with being in the country illegally. The case was postponed to 10 August, for an identity parade to be held. Police took DNA samples from the accused - and the case is now a priority at the forensic laboratory. 

In this podcast, Catherine Rice from News 24 speaks to the director of DNAforAfrica, Vanessa Lynch who says that DNA evidence will play a crucial role in this case "South Africa has hit a new low." She believes, however, that this case "has struck a chord" for many people.

More than one man raped the women, and Lynch said mixed DNA samples would make the analysis process "more complex". But she has "the greatest confidence in our forensic scientists" because they have the experience of dealing with mixed samples. 

Source: https://iono.fm/e/1213031

Why are there different types of DNA databases?

We touch on how these are regulated, what information is captured and give some examples of how powerful DNA databases can be when used in conjunction with forensic DNA profiling.

We discuss the purpose of a criminal intelligence versus a humanitarian databases in helping to solve crimes related to human remains and missing people, bringing closure or justice to victims.