, SEP1503 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester
2 2026 – DUE August 2026; 100% Correct solutions and
explanations.
QUESTION 1
Explanation of the Locard Principle and its application in the
investigation
The Locard Principle, developed by French forensic scientist Edmond
Locard, states that “every contact leaves a trace.” This means that whenever
two objects, persons, or environments come into contact with each other,
there is an exchange of physical evidence. A person who commits a crime
will usually leave something behind at the crime scene and may also take
something from the scene with them.
In criminal investigations, the Locard Principle is important because it allows
investigators to search for and collect evidence that can connect a suspect to a
particular crime. Even when a victim cannot identify the offender, physical
evidence may help establish a link between the suspect and the crime scene.
In the given scenario, the woman scratched the face of the unknown man
while he was attempting to rape her. The scratch marks may have caused
injuries on the attacker’s face, leaving visible evidence that can assist
investigators. The SAPS investigator can examine the suspect for fresh
scratches, wounds, or injuries that correspond with the victim’s description of
the struggle.
The investigator can also collect biological evidence from the victim, such as
skin cells or DNA material found under her fingernails. During the struggle,
the victim may have scratched the attacker and collected pieces of his skin,
blood, or other biological material. This evidence can be scientifically
analysed and compared with the suspect’s DNA profile.
Other evidence may include clothing fibres, hair, fingerprints, or other
materials transferred between the victim and the attacker during the assault.
For example, if the suspect’s clothing contains fibres matching the victim’s
clothing, this may provide further evidence of contact between them.
2 2026 – DUE August 2026; 100% Correct solutions and
explanations.
QUESTION 1
Explanation of the Locard Principle and its application in the
investigation
The Locard Principle, developed by French forensic scientist Edmond
Locard, states that “every contact leaves a trace.” This means that whenever
two objects, persons, or environments come into contact with each other,
there is an exchange of physical evidence. A person who commits a crime
will usually leave something behind at the crime scene and may also take
something from the scene with them.
In criminal investigations, the Locard Principle is important because it allows
investigators to search for and collect evidence that can connect a suspect to a
particular crime. Even when a victim cannot identify the offender, physical
evidence may help establish a link between the suspect and the crime scene.
In the given scenario, the woman scratched the face of the unknown man
while he was attempting to rape her. The scratch marks may have caused
injuries on the attacker’s face, leaving visible evidence that can assist
investigators. The SAPS investigator can examine the suspect for fresh
scratches, wounds, or injuries that correspond with the victim’s description of
the struggle.
The investigator can also collect biological evidence from the victim, such as
skin cells or DNA material found under her fingernails. During the struggle,
the victim may have scratched the attacker and collected pieces of his skin,
blood, or other biological material. This evidence can be scientifically
analysed and compared with the suspect’s DNA profile.
Other evidence may include clothing fibres, hair, fingerprints, or other
materials transferred between the victim and the attacker during the assault.
For example, if the suspect’s clothing contains fibres matching the victim’s
clothing, this may provide further evidence of contact between them.
