The significance of blood spatter analysis to reconstruct murder scenes

Abstract

Crime scenes will always be a critical source of information in any investigated criminal incident. It is where most clues or evidence about a criminal activity are found. The police are mandated to preserve and investigate or process crime scenes to assist in bringing perpetrators to justice. Different evidential materials, such as blood spatters, fingerprints, and weapons are normally found in crime scenes. This study explores the significance of blood spatter analysis to reconstruct murder scenes. The study adopted a quantitative approach, with survey questionnaires and a literature review as data collection methods. The target population was crime scene investigators of the Mthatha Local Criminal Record Centre and detectives of both Mthatha Central and Madeira SAPS. Thirty questionnaires were distributed. In analysing the collected data, a frequency distribution data analysis method was used. This study established that most crime scene investigators lack knowledge regarding the significance of blood spatter analysis to reconstruct murder scenes. The responses of most respondents indicated a confusion between collecting blood for deoxyribonucleic acid analysis and blood spatter analysis. Therefore, this study recommended that training manuals and workshops be developed or implemented within detective-training programmes of SAPS.