Authors:
- Bernadiné Benson, Department Police Practice, University of South Africa - ResearchGate,

- Juanida Suzette Horne, Department Police Practice, University of South Africa -

- Rachel Jewkes: Wikipedia

- Gerard Nicholas Labuschagne: Personal Website, Google Scholar, ResearchGate

- Johannes Hendrik Smith: -

Abstract: »This article examines the investigation of an unresolved serial rape series in the Ekurhuleni District of South Africa and analyses how forensic intelligence, behavioural linkage, and multidisciplinary investigative review interact in the identification of prolific stranger rapists. The article has two related aims. First, it documents the investigative development of the Ekurhuleni series, including the generation of DNA crime-to-crime forensic investigative leads through the National Forensic DNA Database of South Africa (NFDD-ZA), the expansion of the series through behavioural linkage, the consequences of a misdirected arrest, and the renewed investigation that ultimately resulted in the offender’s arrest and conviction. Second, it analyses key investigative decision points to identify factors that facilitated or hindered progress. Third, it derives practice-relevant lessons for unresolved serial rape investigations. The case concerned a prolific offender linked to 97 rape-related incidents assessed during the investigation, of which 49 were linked through DNA evidence. The final prosecution resulted in convictions on 90 counts of rape and multiple additional offences. These figures represent different stages of evidential and legal classification, with convictions reflecting a subset of the broader series identified through forensic and behavioural analysis. The case demonstrates the evidential and operational value of forensic DNA intelligence, structured cold-case review, victim re-engagement, and multidisciplinary collaboration, while also illustrating the risks associated with premature investigative closure, cognitive bias, and fragmented case management. The findings contribute to the investigative psychology and policing literature by providing a detailed, practice-oriented analysis of a high-volume serial rape investigation within a resource-constrained and high-crime context.« (Source: Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology)

Contents:

	Abstract
	Introduction
	South African Investigative and Forensic Context
		National Forensic DNA Database of South Africa (NFDD-ZA) and DNA Investigative Leads in Serial Rape Investigations
		SAPS Structures and the 2016 Serial Rape and Serial Murder Policy
		Serial Rape, Unresolved Cases, and Cold-Case Operational Definitions
		Case Linkage, Offender Profiling, and the Limits of Linkage Evidence
		Investigative Challenges in Serial Rape Cases
	Materials and Analytic Approach
		Stage 1: Chronological Reconstruction
		Stage 2: Analytical Evaluation of Decision Points
	Case Study Findings
		Series Recognition and Linkage Development
		Chronology and Investigative Decision Points
			Phase 1: Initial Investigation and Case Isolation
			Phase 2: Identification of the Series Through DNA Linkage
			Phase 3: Misdirected Arrest and Investigative Closure
			Phase 4: Re-Opening and Expansion of the Series
			Phase 5: Multidisciplinary Review and Resolution
		Investigative Challenges Within the Case
		Structured Offender Profile
		Investigative Strategies and Lessons
	Discussion
		Forensic Intelligence and the Limits of DNA-Led Investigation
		Behavioural Linkage and the Extension of the Series
		Investigative Decision-Making and Cognitive Bias
		Victim Engagement and Evidential Dynamics
		Organisational Factors and Investigative Continuity
		Implications for Investigative Practice
		Contribution to Investigative Psychology
		Limitations
	Conclusion
	Declarations
	References

Wikipedia: History of Africa: History of South Africa / History of South Africa (1994–present) | Sex and the law: Rape / Sexual violence in South Africa