DNA links man to Pretoria murder – expert

2012-11-07 14:10

Johannesburg - The DNA of a man accused of murdering a Pretoria North woman was found at the crime scene, the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria heard on Wednesday.

Forensic expert Major Shamil Govan testified that Sipho Masiqa's DNA was found on a cigarette butt at the murder scene.

"The chance of someone else having this DNA is one in 6.8 trillion people," he told the court, adding that the world's population was about seven billion.

"We expect to see this DNA profile again if there were 1 000 earths. The DNA is the same in all areas. It is a match."

Masiqa, 34, Raymond Matshaba, 27 and Bradley Molefe, 34, are accused of murdering Thifhelimbilu Mashau, her 8-month-old baby Avheani, and her 4-year-old daughter Adivhaho in their home in July 2010.

They have pleaded not guilty to the murders, and to charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, and rape.

No sperm, blood

The State alleges they strangled the two children and robbed their mother of her car and other goods at their Theresa Park home, before taking her to Ga-Rankuwa, where they raped and murdered her.

Govan also testified about condoms found at Mashau's house.

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DNA links man to Pretoria murder - expert