An explorative analysis of the Deoxyribonucleic Acid evidence chain of custody in the Northern Cape, South Africa

Abstract This study explores the objective of this study was to explore the chain of custody for rape Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) evidence in the Northern Cape Province. A convenience sample of 57 participants from the South African Police Service in the Northern Cape, SAPS Forensic specialists from SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory in Pretoria, DNA specialists from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in Pretoria, and community members from the Northern Cape Province were purposively selected. The inductive Textual Content Analysis (TCA) was adopted to analyse the collected data. The qualitative research approach was adopted, with the phenomenological research design. Unstructured Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) involving community members were employed for data collection. Non-participative observation was also adopted alongside documentary studies. This study established that the chain of custody is often compromised by novice SAPS investigators at crime scenes. Handling of DNA samples from rape scenes to the SAPS FSL for analysis and storage does not happen in a timely manner, and the collected evidence is not protected to avoid contamination. Results further indicate that the CJS process is weakened, with the presentation of DNA evidence in court rendered ineffective. It is recommended that relevant stakeholders be adequately trained to properly identify, analyze, collect, and preserve DNA exhibits to maintain the chain of custody. This study highlights the importance of continuous training and refresher courses for all rape investigators. The existing technicalities and limited basic knowledge on DNA analysis should be urgently revisited to easily identify DNA samples and sources. Lastly, collaboration between SAPS FSL, LCRC, SAPS investigators, DNA analysts, and community members to combat, investigate, and prevent this scourge in the Northern Cape is recommended.