Alleged serial killer from eMbalenhle wants to see DNA report that links him to victims
Mogashoa said Shongwe had the right to ask for another test to be conducted in a laboratory of his choice.
Themba Shongwe (now 37), an alleged serial killer and rapist, wants to see the DNA report and the specific sample that links him to the rape and murder of three girls in eMbalenhle.
The test on the DNA found on a fourth victim was inconclusive. Shongwe, by the mouth of his attorney, said that during the continuation of his trial at the Secunda Regional Court on February 27.
Warrant Officer Phokela Mogashoa, a forensic expert for the police, testified about the DNA linking Shongwe to three out of the four murders. He is also on trial for the rape of these girls, as well as two others.
Mogashoa said scientific analysis revealed the DNA left at three of the crime scenes was of the same person.
“Each human being has his own DNA. Not even twins have the exact DNA. The analysis of DNA plays a major role as evidence.
“When we receive a crime kit, we check if the seal is intact. If it is broken or has been tampered with, we return it to the investigating officer.”
Referring to the crime kits of the three cases, Mogashoa testified the seals were still intact. Shongwe is on trial for the murder and rape of four young girls in eMbalenhle.
He is not charged with the murder of a fifth unidentified victim, although the police strongly believe the cases are all related. Nokulunga Nkutha (11) was reported missing in August 2016 and her body was dumped in the street.
Cynthia Masilela (16) was raped, murdered and dumped in the street in 2017. Nokulunga’s cousin, Lerato Nkutha (also 11), was raped and murdered in May 2018. Mihle Singamo (14) was killed in the same manner in November 2019.
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Shongwe, through his attorney, told the court he did not trust the outcome of the DNA analyses and wanted to see the samples and report.
Mogashoa responded the report could be provided to Shongwe’s attorney. He said it is impossible to bring the tubes of DNA from Pretoria as these are stored in a fridge, with a required temperature.
“If removed from the fridge in the laboratory, it might become contaminated by bacteria or mould, which can lead to decomposition.”
Mogashoa said Shongwe had the right to ask for another test to be conducted in a laboratory of his choice.
The trial was postponed to March 26 and 27.
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