, SEP1503 ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 2 2026 ANSWERS - DUE DATE AUGUST 2026
QUESTION ONE
The Locard Principle, also known as Locard’s Exchange Principle, states that whenever two
objects or individuals come into contact with each other, an exchange of physical material
takes place. In other words, every contact leaves behind some form of evidence that can be
used to establish a connection between a person, object, and crime scene (Locard, 1930).
In this case, the woman scratched the attacker’s face during the attempted rape, meaning
biological evidence such as skin cells, blood, or DNA from the victim’s fingernails may have
been transferred onto the suspect. The SAPS investigator can collect and analyse this
evidence through forensic testing and compare it with the suspect’s DNA profile. If the DNA
matches, it can provide scientific evidence linking the suspect to the crime. Therefore, the
Locard Principle assists investigators by showing that physical traces left during criminal
activity can help identify and connect offenders to offences (Saferstein, 2018).
QUESTION TWO
The two sources of information that can be utilised to obtain evidence in the investigation of
the unlawful use of the company vehicle by Mr Bulelani Dzanibe are:
1. Documentary evidence
Documentary evidence includes written records and official documents that can assist
investigators in establishing whether the vehicle was used with proper authorisation. For
example, the investigator can examine the company vehicle logbook, fuel records, and
QUESTION ONE
The Locard Principle, also known as Locard’s Exchange Principle, states that whenever two
objects or individuals come into contact with each other, an exchange of physical material
takes place. In other words, every contact leaves behind some form of evidence that can be
used to establish a connection between a person, object, and crime scene (Locard, 1930).
In this case, the woman scratched the attacker’s face during the attempted rape, meaning
biological evidence such as skin cells, blood, or DNA from the victim’s fingernails may have
been transferred onto the suspect. The SAPS investigator can collect and analyse this
evidence through forensic testing and compare it with the suspect’s DNA profile. If the DNA
matches, it can provide scientific evidence linking the suspect to the crime. Therefore, the
Locard Principle assists investigators by showing that physical traces left during criminal
activity can help identify and connect offenders to offences (Saferstein, 2018).
QUESTION TWO
The two sources of information that can be utilised to obtain evidence in the investigation of
the unlawful use of the company vehicle by Mr Bulelani Dzanibe are:
1. Documentary evidence
Documentary evidence includes written records and official documents that can assist
investigators in establishing whether the vehicle was used with proper authorisation. For
example, the investigator can examine the company vehicle logbook, fuel records, and
