Abstract:
LocardÕs Exchange Principle necessitates that the bodies of victims of crime be treated as
secondary crime scenes. Imaging technologies should be implemented with a view towards
discovering trace evidence that may aid subsequent investigations. In a country notorious
for violent crime, it seems that South African medico-legal laboratories make minimal
application of technology in the death investigation process and little attention is given to
trace evidence. Non-destructive, non-invasive, portable and cost-effective tools are
required. A torch, magnifying lamp, portable digital microscope and alternate light source
were tested to gauge their potential for trace evidence detection on the bodies of victims of
fatal interpersonal violence. Most studies apply these and similar tools to inert surfaces,
with few focussing on their application to human skin. The most common evidence types
discovered on the bodies and clothing of victims of fatal interpersonal violence, as well as
the propensity of each tool to detect these, was evaluated in order to devise the best option
for incorporation into the Pretoria Medico-Legal Laboratory routine. The study aimed to
justify the investment of slightly more time, effort and funding into trace evidence recovery
in the South African mortuary environment. It was also hoped that the application of these
tools could be extended to the clinical forensic setting.
