OVM3701
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: March 2025
INTRODUCTION
This assignment examines the complex case involving the murder of Andrew Tladi, a
senior Limpopo health department official, for which his wife, Khomotso Tladi, was charged
with complicity. The case is characterized by conflicting statements regarding her alleged
motive; while she claimed to have only wanted the hitmen to scare her husband, other
evidence suggests an intention to secure an insurance payout through orchestrated
murder. This study will discuss the criminals‘ modus operandi by identifying the distinctive
trademarks present during the planning, execution, and post-crime phases. Furthermore, it
will explore the use of the cognitive interviewing technique as an investigative tool to
extract reliable facts from the suspects. Emphasis will be placed on how this technique can
enhance memory recall, minimize interruptions, and reveal inconsistencies in suspect
testimonies. By analyzing these aspects, the assignment aims to provide a comprehensive
understanding of both the operational methods employed by the perpetrators and the
interview strategies that can improve investigative outcomes.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
INTRODUCTION
This assignment examines the complex case involving the murder of Andrew Tladi, a
senior Limpopo health department official, for which his wife, Khomotso Tladi, was
charged with complicity. The case is characterized by conflicting statements
regarding her alleged motive; while she claimed to have only wanted the hitmen to
scare her husband, other evidence suggests an intention to secure an insurance
payout through orchestrated murder. This study will discuss the criminals‘ modus
operandi by identifying the distinctive trademarks present during the planning,
execution, and post-crime phases. Furthermore, it will explore the use of the
cognitive interviewing technique as an investigative tool to extract reliable facts from
the suspects. Emphasis will be placed on how this technique can enhance memory
recall, minimize interruptions, and reveal inconsistencies in suspect testimonies. By
analyzing these aspects, the assignment aims to provide a comprehensive
understanding of both the operational methods employed by the perpetrators and the
interview strategies that can improve investigative outcomes.
DEFINITION OF KEY CONCEPTS
Modus Operandi
Modus operandi refers to the distinctive methods and patterns that criminals employ
in planning and executing their crimes. It encompasses the habitual behaviors,
tactics, and decision-making processes that serve as a ―signature‖ for an offender,
allowing investigators to link multiple crimes to the same source (Turvey, 2008).
Cognitive Interviewing Technique
The cognitive interviewing technique is a structured method designed to improve the
recall of memories from witnesses or suspects. It involves several steps, including
mentally reinstating the context of the event, reporting all details regardless of
perceived importance, recounting the incident in various sequences, viewing the
event from different perspectives, and maintaining concentration during recall (Fisher
& Geiselman, 1992).
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: March 2025
INTRODUCTION
This assignment examines the complex case involving the murder of Andrew Tladi, a
senior Limpopo health department official, for which his wife, Khomotso Tladi, was charged
with complicity. The case is characterized by conflicting statements regarding her alleged
motive; while she claimed to have only wanted the hitmen to scare her husband, other
evidence suggests an intention to secure an insurance payout through orchestrated
murder. This study will discuss the criminals‘ modus operandi by identifying the distinctive
trademarks present during the planning, execution, and post-crime phases. Furthermore, it
will explore the use of the cognitive interviewing technique as an investigative tool to
extract reliable facts from the suspects. Emphasis will be placed on how this technique can
enhance memory recall, minimize interruptions, and reveal inconsistencies in suspect
testimonies. By analyzing these aspects, the assignment aims to provide a comprehensive
understanding of both the operational methods employed by the perpetrators and the
interview strategies that can improve investigative outcomes.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
INTRODUCTION
This assignment examines the complex case involving the murder of Andrew Tladi, a
senior Limpopo health department official, for which his wife, Khomotso Tladi, was
charged with complicity. The case is characterized by conflicting statements
regarding her alleged motive; while she claimed to have only wanted the hitmen to
scare her husband, other evidence suggests an intention to secure an insurance
payout through orchestrated murder. This study will discuss the criminals‘ modus
operandi by identifying the distinctive trademarks present during the planning,
execution, and post-crime phases. Furthermore, it will explore the use of the
cognitive interviewing technique as an investigative tool to extract reliable facts from
the suspects. Emphasis will be placed on how this technique can enhance memory
recall, minimize interruptions, and reveal inconsistencies in suspect testimonies. By
analyzing these aspects, the assignment aims to provide a comprehensive
understanding of both the operational methods employed by the perpetrators and the
interview strategies that can improve investigative outcomes.
DEFINITION OF KEY CONCEPTS
Modus Operandi
Modus operandi refers to the distinctive methods and patterns that criminals employ
in planning and executing their crimes. It encompasses the habitual behaviors,
tactics, and decision-making processes that serve as a ―signature‖ for an offender,
allowing investigators to link multiple crimes to the same source (Turvey, 2008).
Cognitive Interviewing Technique
The cognitive interviewing technique is a structured method designed to improve the
recall of memories from witnesses or suspects. It involves several steps, including
mentally reinstating the context of the event, reporting all details regardless of
perceived importance, recounting the incident in various sequences, viewing the
event from different perspectives, and maintaining concentration during recall (Fisher
& Geiselman, 1992).
