Local Criminal Records Centre

Investigators made administrative errors regarding exhibit count; members did not fully explore and receive all exhibits, considered a human error with lack of follow-up on alibis.

“There were fundamental administrative errors made by the investigators. A number of exhibits collected were 700, whereas FSL received 715. One brick of cocaine was recovered by Local Criminal Records Centre and then handed over to DPCI, indicating that members did not fully explore and receive all exhibits. That was regarded as a human error. Lack of follow-up upon alibis.”

The speaker denies failing to call the Local Criminal Records Centre (LCRC), stating that as a subordinate officer acting under the command of Lieutenant General Jacob, he had no authority to make such a call.

“I deny that I failed to call the LCRC. Paragraph 13(2)(f) of National Instruction 1/2015 is unequivocal. The crime scene Commander must take immediate responsibility in requesting that the Crime Scene Examiner from the LCRC attend the crime scene for processing. I was a subordinate officer acting under his command and had no authority to make such a call.”

Experts from the Local Criminal Records Centre or Forensic Science Laboratory make statements regarding their work at the scene under section 212 of the Criminal Procedure Act, and their compiled photo albums are deemed accurate and unmanipulated evidence.

“when an expert from the Local Criminal Records Centre or Forensic Science Laboratory attends a scene, they do a statement. It is in terms of section 212 of the Criminal Procedure Act. And it is deemed that they have done their work correctly and they have not manipulated the exhibits, and it is done as such, and they have compiled an album, and they are saying that it is true as such. That is what this statement is.”

Warrant Officer Magane knew about the Local Criminal Records Centre (LCRC) and that it is responsible for attending scenes and taking photographs.

“Yes, I know LCRC... It is a Local Criminal Records Centre... That is correct.”

Warrant Officer Magane did not call the Local Criminal Records Centre to the scene before removing the bags, only called them after all bags were taken from the container; fingerprint evidence contamination occurred.

“I did call them, but it was after all the bags were taken from the container... after you and your team had put your fingerprints all over?”

Warrant Officer Wood was the stand-by member for the Local Criminal Records Centre (LCRC) for that specific area and was responsible for assisting with photographs and fingerprints at the crime scene.

“Warrant Officer Wood, at that time, was the standby member for LCRC, the Local Criminal Records Centre, for that specific area ... to assist with photographs and fingerprints”

The crime occurred in Port Shepstone and the relevant Local Criminal Records Centre (LCRC) with jurisdiction is also Port Shepstone.

“The crime would have occurred in Port Shepstone... The relevant LCRC would have been the Port Shepstone one.”

Colonel Jacobi requested the presence of the FSL at the scene but they declined, therefore the Local Criminal Records Centre (LCRC) or not the FSL should attend normal drug seizures per protocol.

“Colonel Jacobi indicated that he requested their presence at the scene and they denied it... even the protocol direct that LCRC, or the Local Criminal Records Centre, attend normal drug seizures and not the Forensic Science Laboratory”

Proper crime scene management during drug seizures is critical to preserve evidence for successful prosecutions, involving multiple specialized units including SANEB, forensics, and protection teams.

“During a seizure operation, preserving the crime scene for further investigation and the gathering of evidence is crucial ... it requires the involvement of various units, including members of the South African National Narcotic Enforcement Bureau, SANEB, detectives, crime intelligence, forensic experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory, Local Criminal Records Centre, and the protection team to cordon off the scene”

The crime scene must be cordoned off to prevent unauthorized access, and key players such as DPCI investigators and K9 dogs must be present.

“The crime scene must be cordoned off to ensure that no unauthorised individuals gain access to the scene. Ensure that the necessary role players are present or on standby. In a container drug bust, this would be at the minimum, be the DPCI investigators, K-9 dog, and LCRC to collect evidence”