Familial Searching utilising the National Forensic DNA Database of South Africa (NFDD-ZA) to aid in the identification of Missing Persons and Unidentified Human Remains

The identification of missing persons and unidentified human remains (MPUHR) remains a significant challenge in South Africa. While primary and secondary identification methods, such as DNA kinship analysis, are routinely used, these approaches often depend on the availability of close biological relatives and do not always result in positive identifications. This has prompted the need to explore alternative identification strategies. The Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act, 2013 provides for the use of DNA analysis not only in criminal investigations but also in the identification of MPUHR. Notably, the Act permits familial searching within the National Forensic DNA Database of South Africa (NFDD-ZA), yet this capability remains underutilized for humanitarian identification purposes (1). This study investigates the feasibility of employing familial searching using the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) platform to support the identification of MPUHR. Case studies were used to evaluate key variables such as DNA typing chemistries, the number and type of biological relatives required, and the effect of genetic anomalies (e.g., tri-allelic patterns) on match accuracy. Findings from this study indicate that familial searching in NFDD-ZA can be successfully conducted with Global Filer™ STR profiles in accordance with the DNA Act and DNA regulations thus familial searching can be used as a routine tool for the identification of missing persons and unidentified human remains by the South African Police Service (SAPS).