Action Society warns DNA backlog could hamper Kempton Park murder investigation
The bodies were discovered in and around Rhodesfield over approximately two months. The women were reportedly found partially clothed or naked, with visible signs of violence and the latest body was discovered on Saturday, 12 September.
While the South African Police Service has not confirmed that the cases are linked, a multidisciplinary task team has been established to investigate the deaths.
Action Society says that if the cases are connected, the perpetrator could have committed previous sexual offences, assaults or attempted murders, potentially leaving DNA evidence that could help investigators identify the suspect.
Action Society is also raising concerns about delays in processing forensic evidence. The organisation says approximately 175 500 DNA entries had exceeded their prescribed processing periods, based on DNA Board reporting available in June, and that only 3.5 percent of buccal samples were processed within the legislated 30 days, while 8.88 percent of routine DNA exhibits were completed within the required 35 days.
Action Society is calling for evidence from all four crime scenes to be prioritised and compared with the National Forensic DNA Database, as well as with unsolved sexual offences, assaults, attempted murders and murders.
The organisation is also urging SAPS to clarify whether usable DNA was collected at each scene, whether the profiles have been processed and whether any matches to previous unsolved cases have been identified.
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