CUTTING edge forensic technology in crime scene investigation may be a game changer in a high profile armed robbery case heard by the Ngwelezane Regional Court.
Two men are on trial for an alleged robbing spree at Meerensee in 2011, during which a woman on vacation was raped in front of her children.
On Monday, Regional Court prosecutor Mr Scelo Hlela called crime scene technician, Sergeant Neil van der Merwe to the stand.
Van der Merwe reconstructed the scene, presenting a panoramic, three dimensional view to Regional Court Magistrate Shandu, using a Spheron camera in his evidence against Thulani Gumede (36) and Mhlaba Nzimande (37).
The accused are facing four counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances on 21 November 2011 at Launder Lane Meerensee, when holiday makers and tenants were attacked by a gang, assaulted, tied up and robbed of valuables.
A third accused, one Ngema, has already pleaded guilty of robbery and raping one of the victims and is currently serving a sentence.
Gumede and Nzimande pleaded not guilty and a separation of trials was ordered.
Use of the Spheron camera effectively replaces an inspection in loco and can, via importing photos of the crime scene, reconstruct the scene as it was on the night of the crimes.
Sgt van der Merwe concluded his evidence and cross-examination on Tuesday and also assisted one of the victims during his evidence to point out certain areas mentioned in his evidence in chief.
He will remain available to assist other witnesses if needed.
The tool saves valuable court time and presents a giant leap in placing evidence before court, which previously had to be done relying on the explanation of eye witnesses, who may have difficulty estimating distance or recalling a scene in detail, and photographic evidence which fails to capture all the angles.
The camera technology was also successfully utilised in the murder trial of a Brackenham man whose body was recovered from a crocodile and the murder trial of uBombo missionary Riet Vuijk (68) whose murderers received life sentences.
The matter is placed on the roll until 15 May and the accused will remain in custody.
