DNA samples could be the key

From the 1st of February suspects arrested and charged with schedule 8 offences including rape and murder will have to provide police with a DNA sample that could link them to other crimes.

The new DNA law was signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week and it could be a major weapon in the fight against violent crime.

Last year Justice Minister Ronald Lamola admitted that since 2016 almost 100,000 violent criminals were released on parole without providing DNA samples - which were discretionary.

Vanessa Lynch is DNA for Africa’s regional director. She’s been advocating for a comprehensive DNA database for years and believes this is a positive move.