FOR1501/101/3/2021

Tutorial Letter 101/3/2021

Forensic Methods and Techniques

FOR1501

Semesters 1 and 2

Department of Police Practice

This tutorial letter contains important information

about your module.

BARCODE
 CONTENTS

Page

1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 4
2 PURPOSE AND OUTCOMES ........................................................................................................ 6
2.1 Purpose .......................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Outcomes ....................................................................................................................................... 6
3 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS .................................................................................... 7
3.1 Lecturer(s) ...................................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Department ..................................................................................................................................... 7
3.3 University ........................................................................................................................................ 7
4 RESOURCES ................................................................................................................................. 8
4.1 Prescribed book(s) .......................................................................................................................... 8
4.2 Recommended book(s) .................................................................................................................. 8
4.3 The FAQs option ............................................................................................................................ 9
4.4 Announcements ............................................................................................................................. 9
4.5 Discussions .................................................................................................................................... 9
4.6 Discussion forums .......................................................................................................................... 9
4.7 Additional resources..................................................................................................................... 10
4.8 Telegram app ............................................................................................................................... 10
4.9 Electronic reserves (e-reserves) ................................................................................................... 10
4.10 Library services and resources ..................................................................................................... 10
4.11 First-Year Experience programme at Unisa.................................................................................. 11
5 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ............................................................................................... 11
6 STUDY PLAN ............................................................................................................................... 11
7 PRACTICAL WORK ..................................................................................................................... 12
8 ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................................. 12
8.1 Assessment criteria ...................................................................................................................... 12
8.2 Assessment plan .......................................................................................................................... 13
8.3 Assignment numbers .................................................................................................................... 14
8.3.1 General assignment numbers ....................................................................................................... 14
8.3.2 Unique assignment numbers ........................................................................................................ 14
8.4 Submission of assignments .......................................................................................................... 15
8.5 The assignments for 2021 ............................................................................................................ 23
8.6 Other assessment methods .......................................................................................................... 30
8.7 The examination ........................................................................................................................... 30
2
 FOR1501/101/3/2021

9 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) ............................................................................. 32

10 IN CLOSING ................................................................................................................................. 32

3
Dear Student

As part of this tutorial letter, we wish to inform you that Unisa has implemented a transformation
charter based on five pillars and eight dimensions. In response to this charter, we have also
placed curriculum transformation high on the agenda. For your information, curriculum
transformation includes the following pillars: student-centred scholarship, the pedagogical
renewal of teaching and assessment practices, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and the
infusion of African epistemologies and philosophies. These pillars and their principles will be
integrated at both programme and module level, as a phased-in approach. You will notice the
implementation thereof in your modules and we encourage you to embrace these changes fully
during your studies at Unisa.

1 INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the module in Forensic Methods and Techniques (FOR1501), w hich is
offered by the Department of Police Practice. I hope that you will find this module both
interesting and beneficial and that the knowledge you gain will be useful to you in your everyday
work. The expansive nature of investigative activities in South Africa means that further studies
(i.e. after matric) are essential if we hope to achieve high levels of effectiveness and
professionalism in the area of forensic and criminal investigation. Throughout this course,
you will be expected to supplement your theoretical studies with practical observations drawn
from your own experience. This means that the onus is on you to read up on the latest
developments in the field of criminal and forensic investigation. I will do my best to support you
in your studies and I will also be posting a list of resources, under Additional Resources, on
myUnisa for you to consult. These are not prescribed resources, but I do recommend that you
consult them as part of your preparation for the assignments and the examination. At the
outset, I must emphasise that this module focuses on practical investigative work and not on the
forensic laboratory scientist.

You will be well on your way to success if you begin your studies early in the semester. It is also
important to make an early start on your assignments so that you can complete them
thoroughly and submit them in good time.

Right from the start, I want to emphasise that you should carefully read every tutorial letter that
you receive – and that is available online – without delay, as each of them contains important
information. Therefore, I urge you to read this tutorial letter carefully and keep it close at
4
 FOR1501/101/3/2021

hand as you work through the study material, write your assignments and prepare for the
examination. Please also keep this tutorial letter on hand if you contact me about the study
material. The assignments that you must complete for this module are included in this tutorial
letter, along with instructions on how to prepare and submit them. All the questions asked in
the assignments and in the examination are based on information in the study guide for
Forensic Methods and Techniques and this tutorial letter (FOR1501/101/3/2021).

Because this is a blended module, you are required to use myUnisa to access the
Discussion Forums so that you can do the self-reflective and self-assessment activities for
this course. You must visit the web page for FOR1501 on myUnisa regularly. The web page
for the module is FOR1501-21-S1 (for Semester 1) or FOR1501-21-S2 (for Semester 2).

Since this is a blended module, everything you receive in hard copy format (such as the study
guide and tutorial letters) is also available online. Go to https://my.unisa.ac.za and sign in using
your student number and password. You should see the module web page, FOR1501-21-S1
(Semester 1) o r FOR1501-21-S2 (Semester 2), in the list of modules that appears in the
orange blocks arranged across the top of the web page. Check under the More tab if you
cannot see it in one of the orange blocks. Then click on the module you want to open.

It is extremely important that you register on myUnisa and that you access the module page
regularly. You must be registered on myUnisa in order to:
 access the module-related information and various learning resources
 submit your assignments
 “chat” with the lecturer or the teaching assistant and fellow students about your studies
and any challenges that you encounter
 take part in the online discussion forums.

If you have access to the internet, you can quickly access resources and information at the
university. The myUnisa learning management system is the university's online campus, which
will help you to communicate with your lecturers, with other students and with the administrative
departments at Unisa.

You can start at the main Unisa website at http://www.unisa.ac.za and then click on the myUnisa
orange block. This will take you to the myUnisa website. To go to the myUnisa website directly,
go to https://my.unisa.ac.za and click on the Claim UNISA Login at the top of the screen on the

5
myUnisa website. You will then be prompted to give your student number in order to claim your
initial myUnisa details, as well as your myLife e-mail login details.

For more information on myUnisa, including guidance on how to access the myUnisa module site
and how to activate your myLife e-mail account, consult the brochure entitled Study @ Unisa,
which you received with your study material.

This tutorial letter contains important information on the work plan, the resources and the
assignments for this module. As a registered Unisa student, you have access to the myUnisa
portal from which you can access various online resources that will be of help to you in your
studies. I have also included some general and administrative information concerning this
module. Study this part of the tutorial letter carefully.

You are welcome to contact me in connection with any subject-related information or for any
guidance that you may need.

I wish you all the best i n your studies. Remember: through hard work, perseverance and
dedication, anything is possible!

Kind regards

Mr P Machethe

Lecturer: FOR1501

2 PURPOSE AND OUTCOMES

2.1 Purpose

The purpose of this module is for you to gain a general understanding of forensic methods and
techniques namely; different types of investigators, investigative mandate, the investigative
process, techniques of obtaining information, methods of taking notes, constitutional and
administrative prescripts, statement writing and how to testify in court.

2.2 Outcomes

On completion of this module, you should be able to:

6
 FOR1501/101/3/2021

 explain/describe the different types of crimes/incidents that may occur in the public or private
environment
 analyse the different terms, principles and concepts that are used during forensic
investigation in the public or private environment
 explain/describe the importance of managing a case or incident file during forensic
investigation in a public or private environment.

3 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS

3.1 Lecturer(s)
My name is Mr Petrus Machethe from the Department of Police Practice at the University of South
Africa (Unisa) and I am your lecturer for this module. Should you have any academic enquiries
about the module (i.e. related to the course content), you are welcome to contact me. If you would
like to see me in person, you are welcome to do so by prior appointment on weekdays between
8:00 and 16:00. You will find me in Brooklyn House, which is at 337 Veale Street, Brooklyn,
Pretoria. My office number is G-027, my telephone number is 012 433 9447 and my e-mail
address is emachep@unisa.ac.za

You may also contact me via myUnisa.

3.2 Department
You may also contact the department directly.
The departmental secretary is Ms B Shipalana and she can be reached at
shipab@unisa.ac.za
012 433 9410
Department of Police Practice
Room G 027
Brooklyn House
337 Veale Street, Brooklyn
Pretoria

3.3 University
Should you need to contact the university in connection with any matter that is not related to
the content of this module (e.g. administrative matters), please consult the Study @ Unisa
publication that you received when you registered/with your study material. This publication

7
contains information on how to contact the university (e.g. whom to contact, important
telephone and fax numbers, addresses and details of the times various facilities are open).

Please distinguish clearly between registration/administrative matters and matters that are
concerned with the teaching of this module (i.e. academic matters). You should contact your
lecturer only in connection with subject-related matters (i.e. the content of the study
material).

Physical address of the university Postal address

Preller Street PO Box 392

Muckleneuk Unisa
Pretoria Pretoria
0003

When communicating with Unisa about your studies, always remember to provide your student
number and the relevant module codes.

E-mails may also be sent, as indicated below:

Enquiries about modules/qualifications – Study-info@unisa.ac.za

Problems with myUnisa – myunisahelp@unisa.ac.za

Assignment results – https://myunisa.ac.za

4 RESOURCES

4.1 Prescribed book(s)

There are NO prescribed books for this module.

4.2 Recommended book(s)

There are NO recommended books for this module. However, you may make use of
books/academic journal articles to supplement your studies. It is of the utmost importance that
you acknowledge all the sources you use when completing your assignments. Failure to do so
is a form of theft known as plagiarism. Your sources must be acknowledged both in the text
8
 FOR1501/101/3/2021

and in the bibliography ( or reference list) of an assignment. Books may be obtained from the
Unisa Library or from your local public library. Please consult the Study @ Unisa brochure
for more information on the Unisa Library. You are also welcomed to contact me for information
on additional resources that will expand your understanding of the criminal investigation
process.

4.3 The FAQs option

The FAQs option on the module site provides questions and answers concerning g e n e r a l
Unisa-related matters and the module in particular. It also contains information relevant to
Tutorial Letter 101/3/2021 (this tutorial letter). Please read through all the topics before posting
questions on myUnisa or directing enquiries to me, the department or the university. You may
just find that your question/query has already been addressed there.

4.4 Announcements

You will occasionally be informed of important module-related matters by way of an

announcement on the module web page posted under Announcements. You will receive e-
mails that notify you of such announcements. It is very important that you monitor your
incoming e-mails in this regard, since your lecturer cannot be held responsible if you fail to
take note of an important announcement. Unisa will always communicate with you via your
myLife e-mail address, so be sure to claim yours and monitor it diligently. Also, always make
sure that Unisa has your most recent contact information, otherwise you may miss out on
important messages.

4.5 Discussions
Once the discussions are in operation, they will be used to identify and share important matters
concerning this module. I will use the Discussions and Announcements options on myUnisa
to post important information and answers to your questions. It is important that you participate
in these discussions, since they are a valuable part of your preparation for the examination.

4.6 Discussion forums

There are also several dedicated discussion forums by means of which we will explore important
issues concerning forensic investigative resources. None of these discussions are marked and
you will not be penalised for not taking part in them.

9
4.7 Additional resources
I will occasionally place supplementary reading material under Additional Resources on the
myUnisa web page for FOR1501. Make sure that you read these items.

4.8 Telegram app

Unisa has established Telegram groups for all their modules. Please search for and download
the Telegram app on your electronic device and join the Telegram groups that have been created
for your modules. To search for these groups, type https://unisa-groups.co.za/ into the search
engine that you are using and press enter. You can then follow the instructions to set up the app
and join the groups for all the modules you are registered for.

4.9 Electronic reserves (e-reserves)

There are NO e-reserves for this module.

4.10 Library services and resources

The Unisa Library offers a range of information services and resources:

 For detailed Library information, go to https://unisa.ac.za/library

 For research support and services (e.g. personal librarians and literature search
services), go to https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-
services/Research-support
 The Library has also created numerous Library guides: https://libguides.unisa.ac.za

Recommended guides:

 Request and download recommended material –

https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request
 Postgraduate information services –
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/postgrad
 Finding and using Library resources and tools –
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/research-support
 Frequently asked questions about the Library –
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/ask
 Services to students living with disabilities –
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/disability
 Assistance with technical problems accessing the Unisa Library or resources –
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/techsupport

You may also send an e-mail to Lib-help@unisa.ac.za (please add your student number in the
subject line).

10
 FOR1501/101/3/2021

4.11 First-Year Experience programme at Unisa

Unisa’s First-Year Experience (FYE) initiative is designed to provide extended support to students
entering Unisa and the open distance e-learning (ODeL) environment for the first time. It does so
by increasing communication between the institution and its students, as well as by providing
important information at crucial points in the student’s journey. Thus, FYE is a collective effort to
help first-year students to adapt to the ODeL environment. Through the FYE, you will be provided
with timely and helpful information about the services that the institution offers and how you can
access them.

FYE initiatives

 FYE e-mails are a tool to help first-year students to stay focused and motivated.
 FYE broadcasts consist of various topics related to first-year studies that are presented by
academic and support staff from different colleges and departments.
 FYE mailbox assists in answering students’ queries related to their first year of study.
 FYE website helps to bridge the gap between students and the institution.
 FYE MOOC helps to prepare, orientate and familiarise students with the Unisa
environment.

Visit our website:

www.unisa.ac.za/FYE

Participate in the FYE MOOC:

mooc.unisa.ac.za
Contact us:
fye@unisa.ac.za

5 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The Study @ Unisa brochure is available on myUnisa: www.unisa.ac.za/brochures/studies

This brochure has all the tips and information you need to succeed at Unisa.

6 STUDY PLAN
Consult the Study @ Unisa publication for guidelines on how to improve your time management
and planning skills. The following information serves simply as a guideline.
11
It is extremely important that you take ownership of your studies. As lifelong learners, our
personal circumstances differ in many respects – these differences might relate to matters
such as our working hours (office hours or shifts), family responsibilities (children and domestic
duties) and many other professional and social commitments.

Therefore, the way in which you manage your time is critical to your success as a student.
You have to devise a strategy that will ensure that you allow enough time for your studies,
taking into account all the factors that vie for your attention (as listed above). The most
important thing is to strive towards a healthy balance between all these factors and your
commitment to your studies. Always remember that anything that is worth doing comes at a
price – and the price of success is perseverance and hard work. You are very welcome to
approach me for any advice or guidance you may need regarding time management and
planning.

Take note of important dates – such as submission dates for assignments and the date
of the examination. Ensure that you begin your preparation in good time, bearing in mind
that life can be very unpredictable. You never know when an unexpected work or family
commitment will make a claim on your time and energy. If you qualify for annual study leave,
arrange it in good time and keep your employer informed of your study goals. Always remember
that learning is a journey and not a destination. Part of this journey involves managing your
time in such a way that you submit assignments of a high standard and p r e p a r e w e l l for the
examination.

7 PRACTICAL WORK

This module does not require any practical work (field work).

8 ASSESSMENT

8.1 Assessment criteria

You need to have a year mark to gain admission to the examination. Your
assignment marks will be used to calculate your year mark for the module. The
contribution of each assignment towards your year mark is: Assignment 01
Year mark
(20%), Assignment 02 (20%), and Assignment 03 (60%). The marks you receive
for the assignments therefore play an important part in calculating your final
mark. The assignments will contribute 20% of the final mark.

12
 FOR1501/101/3/2021

Your final mark is made up of 20% of your year mark (marks achieved for
Final mark
assignments) and 80% of your examination mark.

8.2 Assessment plan

There are three compulsory assignments for this module. You must submit a l l t h r e e
assignments for assessment by their respective submission due dates in order to gain
admission to the examination. If you do not submit all three assignments, you will not be granted
admission to the examination. Failing to do so will mean that you will not be permitted to write
the examination and you will have to re-register for the module. N o t e t h a t a l l t h r e e
assignments contribute to your semester mark.

This tutorial letter contains three assignments for each semester (Semester 1 and Semester
2), which must be submitted online to Unisa for assessment. These assignments are as follows:

 Assignment 01/2021: a compulsory SAMIGO multiple-choice assignment, counting 40

marks
 Assignment 02/2021: a compulsory SAMIGO multiple-choice assignment, counting 40
marks
 Assignment 03/2021: a compulsory written assignment, counting 60 marks

You must complete all three assignments for Forensic Methods and Techniques
(FOR1501) and submit t h e m o n l ine by their respective submission due dates in order to
be granted admission to the final examination. Please note that if you submit only the
assignment cover, this will not be accepted as your having submitted the assignment. Your
assignment marks will be used to determine your final semester mark for the module and are
therefore an important part of your final mark for the module.

Important:

 Students registered for the first semester must clearly mark their assignments with the
words “First semester”.
 Students registered for the second semester must clearly mark their assignments with
the words “Second semester”.

You must submit written assignments electronically via myUnisa. Assignments may not be

13
submitted by e-mail or fax. Please consult the Study @ Unisa publication once again for general
information and requirements in respect of assignments. Ensure that you retain a copy of
every assignment you submit. If you write an assignment by hand, you must submit the
original assignment electronically and retain a copy for your records. It is preferable, however,
to submit typed assignments. Typed assignments must fulfil the following requirements: Arial
font, line spacing of 1,5, top and left margins set to 3 cm and bottom and right margins set
to 2,5 cm.

Follow these steps to submit an assignment using myUnisa:

 Go to myUnisa.
 Log in using your student number and password.
 Choose the correct module.
 Click on Assignments in the left-hand corner.
 Click on the assignment number of the assignment you wish to submit.
 Follow the on-screen instructions.
 You may submit the same assignment up to a maximum of three times, after which the
system will not permit further submission of that assignment.

Make sure that you submit the correct assignment under the correct code.

8.3 Assignment numbers

8.3.1 General assignment numbers

Assignments are numbered sequentially per module, beginning at 01. Therefore, if you are
registered for the first semester, you will be completing three assignments, numbered
Assignment 01, 02 and 0 3 respectively. In the same way, if you are registered for the second
semester, you will be c o m p l e t i n g three assignments, numbered Assignment 01, 02 and 03
respectively. It is extremely important that you indicate correctly for which semester you are
registered and that you indicate the relevant unique number on each assignment. Please see
8.3.2 in this regard.

8.3.2 Unique assignment numbers

The following is a breakdown of the formal assessment activities as they become due during
the FIRST semester:

14
 FOR1501/101/3/2021

Assignment Unique
Type of assessment Due date Marks
number number
01 767057 Online assessment (MCQ) 2021-03-12 40
02 856162 Online assessment (MCQ) 2021-03-26 40
03 671519 Written (PDF format) 2021-04-16 60

Make sure that Unique numbers are incorporated.

The following is a breakdown of the formal assessment activities as they become due during
the SECOND semester:

Assignment Unique
Type of assessment Due date Marks
number number
01 797051 Online assessment (MCQ) 2021-08-13 40
02 680700 Online assessment (MCQ) 2021-08-27 40
03 683964 Written (PDF format) 2021-09-23 60

8.4 Submission of assignments

It is very important that you log in to myUnisa regularly. We recommend that you log in at
least once a week to do the following:

 Check for new announcements. You can also set your myLife e-mail account so that you
receive the announcement e-mails on your cellphone.
 Take part in the Discussion Forum activities. When you do the activities for each learning
unit, we want you to share your answers with other students in your group. You can read the
instructions and even prepare your answers offline, but you will need to go online to post your
messages.
 Do other online activities. For some of the learning unit activities, you might need to post
something on the Blog tool, take a quiz or complete a survey under the Self-Assessment
tool. Don’t skip these activities! They will help you to complete the assignments and the
activities for the module.

 Online Assessment. You have three assignments. TWO of them are online SAMIGO
multiple choice questions. You will be notified via the Announcement tool when each
assignment is due. To access these assignments, do the following:

 Log onto your module site for FOR1501_Semester 1 (if you are registered for the first
semester) or FOR1501_Semester 2 (if you are registered for the second semester).

15
 On the left side of the page, scroll down until you see the tab Online Assessment.

 Click on that tab.

This will open your Online Assessment. You will then find an option that says TAKE AN
ASSESSMENT. Only when the assessment opens will you be able to access it, not before then.
Please visit your module site regularly to view whether your assessments have opened.

Guidelines for the completion of Assignment 01

Assignment 01 is a compulsory assignment. If you do not submit this assignment, your

registration will be cancelled automatically. No late submissions of assignments will be
accepted.

Instructions on how to complete and submit the assignment and information on the content and
purpose of the assignment are provided below. Please read this information carefully before
you begin working on the assignment. Assignment 01 counts a total of 40 marks and is an
online multiple-choice assignment.

16
 FOR1501/101/3/2021

Guidelines for the completion of Assignment 02

Assignment 02 is a compulsory assignment. If you do not submit this assignment, you will not
be permitted to write the examination at the end of the semester. No late submissions of
assignments will be accepted.

Assignment 02 counts a total of 40 marks and is an online multiple-choice assignment.

Guidelines for the completion of Assignment 03

Assignment 03 consists of written questions. This assignment is also compulsory. If you do not
submit this assignment, you will not be permitted to write the examination at the end of the
semester. The marks allocated to the questions vary between 3 and 35 marks and the
assignment counts a total of 60 marks. The marks that you achieve for Assignment 03 will
form part of your semester mark and will also count towards your final mark – as long as you
achieve a subminimum of 40% in the examination. You must answer all the questions in English.
B y using this language, you will be demonstrating what you know (knowledge), what you can
do (capabilities) and how you apply the theoretical information from your study guide (attitude).
It is therefore important that you write your answers in a clear and understandable manner.

Allocation of marks

The marks allocated for each activity will give you an indication of how much detail you should
include in your answer. The m o r e marks allocated, the more information that is needed.
An activity worth ten marks cannot be answered satisfactorily in half a page – unless you
have been asked to name or list facts or to answer the question in point form. Similarly, an
activity worth only five marks does not justify an answer that is three pages in length.

Paragraph activities and questions requiring long answers

These are activities that count between 5 and 35 marks. Their purpose is to teach you to provide
answers that are concise yet complete. They require you to find essential information through a
thorough study of the study guide and then to compare and logically integrate this information
within the various sections of your work.

17
The paragraph activities require you to discuss, evaluate or compare information.
Consequently, you may need to find the necessary information in various places within the
s t u d y g u i d e and then integrate, evaluate or discuss it. The question will always give you
a good idea of where in the s t u d y g u i d e you will be able to find the required information.
This is done with the purpose of getting you to read so that learning can take place. It also
means that you should not quote d irectly from the study guide; you must show insight into
what you are reading and interpret it your own words.

You will also note that, on occasion, you are asked to expand on a statement. This means that
you must provide your answer in paragraph format. It will be very much to your advantage to
compose complete answers to questions of this kind (i.e. to write a paragraph), since you may
have to answer similar questions, either in full or in part, in the examination.

In the questions requiring longer answers, you will be asked to provide a thorough discussion
or evaluation of the matter being dealt with. The purpose of these questions is to teach y o u
to provide a complete and well-organised discussion of a single aspect of forensic methods
and techniques. Your answer must be divided into paragraphs and the relevant points must be
discussed. The question will provide an indication of the headings you should use, so you will
know which aspects to discuss. You will not be asked to provide long answers in the
examination; however, certain aspects that you have dealt with previously in questions requiring
long answers may appear as part of the examination paper. For these reasons, I would advise
you to answer the questions requiring long answers as thoroughly as possible and to make
use of additional sources.

Take note of the following guidelines for completing activities and answering questions:

 The activity will determine the structure of your answer.

 Follow the instructions for the activity exactly. Avoid introductory remarks or generalisations
and don’t deviate from the topic.
 Write your answer in your own words (i.e. reformulate the information that you draw from
various sources in your own words.)
 Your answer must be concise.
 Avoid writing in telegram or SMS style. Use well-formulated and complete sentences, except
when you are asked to list facts or to answer the question in point form.
 You may use headings to distinguish important facts from one another. Even though a
paragraph is normally a unit, in some paragraph type of questions you may be asked to

18
 FOR1501/101/3/2021

discuss the topic under certain headings. Statements must be followed logically by their
supporting arguments. You are free to use quotations in this type of answer.
 Remember to include references, where necessary.

Standard of work required

You are expected to submit work of a high standard. It is unacceptable simply to reproduce
sections of the study guide that you regard as relevant. You have to provide specific answers
that are as comprehensive as possible. When you answer a question, expand on the topic
using relevant material from the study guide and personal experience, if this is applicable. Avoid
simply rewriting an existing paragraph as your answer. Lecturers often emphasise originality.
Being original does not mean that you have to come up with brilliant new ideas and present
them in a whole new way: Although you must consult the study guide, you can nevertheless
show your originality in the way in which you approach and integrate information. Here are
guidelines that you can follow in this regard:

 Plan your answer independently, in other words, don’t feel bound by the way in which the
material is organised in the sources that you consult.
 Use your own words; again, don’t feel bound by the way in which the information is
formulated in the source material.
 Combine/integrate material from a variety of sources, but do so logically.
 When you formulate an answer, present a cohesive discussion that forms a unit.

It is not easy to take information from other sources and then organise and present it in an
original manner. Doing so requires the following:

 making a thorough study of a subject, starting at the beginning, in order to understand it

properly.
 doing independent planning, aimed at answering the question.
 performing a critical and independent evaluation or assessment of the information, the
conclusions and their implications.
 always delivering reasoned criticism, even if your criticism is not based on scientific sources.
 using your own examples, if necessary.

19
Your facts must be presented in a logical sequence and be relevant to the question. Ultimately,
your a i m is to show the marker that you have insight into the situation reflected in the question,
that you understand the problem, that you know what to do and what procedures to follow, and
that you know how to explain all of this in order to handle the case in a satisfactory manner.

Your writing must be neat and legible; you are free to type (which is recommended) your
assignments to ensure neatness and legibility. Pay special attention to sentence construction
when you answer the questions. Some students write sentences that are so unclear that the
markers simply don’t know what they mean. DON’T WRITE IN CAPITAL LETTERS ALL THE
WAY THROUGH. Use normal sentence case, as in this tutorial letter.

The markers will also take the following factors into account when they assess your
assignments:

 the format of your answer.

 your language usage.
 the presentation of your assignment.
 your insight into the study material.
 additional practical examples drawn from your work situation.
 external sources consulted in addition to your study material – this is very important, but
then you must acknowledge the sources you use.
 the correctness of your referencing techniques.

Your use of practical examples is important because it will enable the markers to determine
whether you understand the content of the study guide and can apply your knowledge. If you
cannot provide an example, you can provide reasons why a method or an instruction is the
way it is. You can also, if you wish, provide examples of completed forms. No original forms
may be used for this purpose – only copies. Bear in mind that a general discussion that does
not refer to the facts given in the question will earn you very few marks.

Plagiarism and academic dishonesty

While students may work together in preparing their assignments, each student must write
and submit his or her own assignment. In other words, the assignment that each student
submits must be his or her own work. It is unacceptable for students to submit identical

20
 FOR1501/101/3/2021

assignments on the grounds that they worked together. This will be considered plagiarism and
no such assignments will be assessed. In addition, the students involved may be penalised or
subjected to the university’s disciplinary procedures.

Plagiarism is the act of taking words, ideas and thoughts of others and passing them
off as your own. It is a form of theft that involves a number of dishonest academic
activities. Should you copy your assignment answers verbatim (word for word) from the study
guide or another source, you will be awarded 0%. You were provided with the Disciplinary code
for students (2004) when you registered. You are advised to study the Disciplinary code,
especially sections 2.1.13 and 2.1.14 (2004:3–4).

Academic dishonesty can take many forms, but the following are some of the most common:
 Copying/cutting and pasting/patchwriting: This type of dishonesty involves simply copying
someone else’s work, either word for word or by changing it slightly without indicating that
it has been copied, for example by putting it in quotation marks or indenting it in the
prescribed manner. This is the easiest form of dishonesty to detect because plagiarism
software will identify it.
 Absence of references: This is a very common type of dishonesty and involves using
someone else’s ideas, thoughts, insights or data without acknowledging that they are
not your own. In essence, this is simply a more refined version of the copying referred to
above, since the words are changed, but the intent is the same.
 Cheating/falsifying information: This can take the form of manufacturing data that do not
exist or leaving out contradictory evidence. It is also sometimes called “cherry-picking”, which
refers to representing only the data or opinions that support your point of view.
 Padding: This refers to the practice of referring to sources that have not been consulted,
but are included to make the footnotes and/or bibliography seem more impressive. It is a
practice that supports academic laziness in that the writer consults only secondary sources,
but references the primary sources referred to in such works. A reference that refers to
a source “as cited by xxxx” is not acceptable.
 Too many quotations: This form of dishonesty occurs when more than 15% of a writer’s
work consists of quotations. It indicates that the writer has not mastered the subject at
hand and i s therefore unable to represent ideas in his or her own words. Such a practice
is compounded by too great a reliance on a single author or a limited number of authors.
 Incorrect referencing: Incorrect referencing shows a lack of rigour and disciplinary
expertise.
21
Plagiarism and academic dishonesty, as discussed above, will result in a mark of zero
being allocated and disciplinary action being instituted.

Feedback on assessed assignments

The feedback on the compulsory assignments will be sent to all students who are registered for
this module. After the due date of your last assignment, you will receive a tutorial letter containing
suggested solutions to the questions, as well as feedback on how you answered the assignment
questions. As soon as you receive the feedback, please check your answers. The assignments
and the comments constitute an important part of your study material and preparation for the
examination.

The number of ticks (√) is not necessarily an indication of the marks awarded for an answer.
However, if the marks appear to have been added up incorrectly, you may return the assignment
to me, together with your comments, for the marks to be adjusted. Please compare your assessed
assignment with the suggested solutions in the tutorial letter. Should you be dissatisfied with the
way in which your assignment was assessed, you may resubmit it to me with your comments.
This needs to be done within 14 days of the assignments being returned to you. Your comments
should include a detailed explanation of why you disagree with the marker.

22
 FOR1501/101/3/2021

8.5 The assignments for 2021

FIRST SEMESTER COMPULSORY ASSIGNMENTS

ASSIGNMENT 01 (1st SEMESTER) DUE DATE: 12 MARCH 2021

TOTAL: 40 MARKS

Assignment 01 is a multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ), which you will find under the Online
Assessment tool on myUnisa. It consists of 20 questions, each with four possible answers, of
which only one is correct. You will receive the feedback once you submit your answers. The total
for this assignment is 40 marks.

GUIDELINES FOR ASSIGNMENT 01:

 Go to Online Assessment in the left-hand menu on myUnisa.
 To begin, click on the assessment title: 1 Assignment 01

 Each question has only one correct answer.

 You will have Three opportunities to complete this MCQ
 The highest mark obtained will then be used by the system.
 Don’t forget to click on Submit for Grading at the end of the assessment.
 You will receive feedback within three weeks after the due date.
TOTAL: 40 MARKS

ASSIGNMENT 02 (1st SEMESTER) DUE DATE: 26 MARCH 2021

TOTAL: 40 MARKS

Assignment 02 is also a multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ), which you will find under the
Online Assessment tool on myUnisa. It consists of 20 questions, each with four possible
answers, of which only one is correct. You will receive the feedback once you submit your
answers. The total for this assignment is 40 marks.

GUIDELINES FOR ASSIGNMENT 02:

 Go to Online Assessment in the left-hand menu on myUnisa.

23
  To begin, click on the assessment title: 2 Assignment 02

 Each question has only one correct answer.

 You will have THREE opportunities to complete this MCQ.
 The highest mark obtained will then be used by the system.
 Don’t forget to click on Submit for Grading at the end of the assessment.
 You will receive feedback within three weeks after the due date.
TOTAL: 40 MARKS

ASSIGNMENT 03 (1st SEMESTER) DUE DATE: 16 APRIL 2021

TOTAL: 60 MARKS

The questions for Assignment 03 are set out below. Answer ALL the questions in your own
words. Read each question carefully.

Question 1

Indicate whether each statement is true or false.

1.1 A "peace officer" includes any magistrate, any justice, any police official, any correctional
official and any person who is a peace officer under section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Act
(CPA). (1)

1.2 Private investigation includes auditors, accountants, attorneys, advocates or forensic

scientists. (1)

1.3 Statutory investigators may include South African Reserve Bank investigators, Customs and
Excise investigators and South African Post Office investigators. (1)

1.4 The mandate that authorises the investigator to proceed with a specific investigation may
not fall within the parameters of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. (1)

1.5 Examples of private investigation practices that are illegal or unethical include the searching
of private premises without the owner's consent and effecting an illegal arrest. (1)
24
 FOR1501/101/3/2021

1.6 Section 42 of the Criminal Procedure Act authorises a private person to arrest, without a
warrant, any person who commits an offence. (1)
1.7 The primary reason for the investigator's involvement in the judicial process concerns the
presentation of the information gathered. (1)
1.8 Identification is a theory that explains that all things in the universe are the same because
they have certain related characteristics. (1)
1.9 Direct sources of information may include persons involved in the events, but not present
when they occurred. (1)
1.10 Once a suspect has been charged, that person is referred to as a “complainant”. (1)
[10]

Question 2

According to section 35(1) of the Constitution, everyone who is arrested for allegedly committing
an offence has certain rights. What are these rights? [10]

Question 3

Describe the concept of continuity of possession. [5]

Question 4
Name and discuss the requirements for a complete, well-organised and professionally written
sworn statement. [15]

Question 5

Statement taking
You receive a complaint from Maja Inc, a legal firm in Centurion (Pretoria). At the scene, you
speak to Ms Sandra Maluti. She informs you that on her arrival at the premises at 07:00 on
Thursday, 14 May 2020, she noticed the security gate and front door to the premises had been
forced open. She points out a steel pipe lying on the floor in the reception area and supplies you
with the particulars of two laptop computers believed to have been stolen from the premises. Ms
Maluti also informs you that CCTV footage is available showing a suspicious vehicle with two
occupants arriving at the scene on Thursday, 14 May 2020 at 04:15 and leaving 45 minutes later.
According to Ms Maluti, the registration number of the vehicle is clearly visible on the CCTV
footage. Ms Maluti also supplies you with the details of her insurance company, as a claim will
have to be processed for the damages incurred. A crime has been committed and is now being
reported for further investigation.

25
Take a complete sworn statement from Ms Sandra Maluti. Include your own descriptions and
detailed information on aspects such as witnesses, insurance, particulars of the complainant,
descriptions of stolen items, details of suspects, particulars of the scene, station and case
number.

Marks will be allocated as follows:

 preamble – 5 marks
 content of the statement – 7 marks
 certification and conclusion of the statement – 8 marks
[20]

TOTAL: 60

26
 FOR1501/101/3/2021

SECOND SEMESTER COMPULSORY ASSIGNMENTS

ASSIGNMENT 01 (2nd SEMESTER) DUE DATE: 13 AUGUST 2021

TOTAL: 40 MARKS

Assignment 01 is a multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ), which you will find under the Online
Assessment tool on myUnisa. It consists of 20 questions, each with four possible answers, of
which only one is correct. You will receive the feedback once you submit your answers. The total
for this assignment is 40 marks.

GUIDELINES FOR ASSIGNMENT 01:

 Go to Online Assessment in the left-hand menu on myUnisa.
 To begin, click on the assessment title: 1 Assignment 01

 Each question has only one correct answer.

 You will have THREE opportunities to complete this MCQ
 The highest mark obtained will then be used by the system.
 Don’t forget to click on Submit for Grading at the end of the assessment.
 You will receive feedback within three weeks after the due date.
TOTAL: 40 MARKS

ASSIGNMENT 02 (2nd SEMESTER) DUE DATE: 27 AUGUST 2021

TOTAL: 40 MARKS

Assignment 02 is also a multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ), which you will find under the
Online Assessment tool on myUnisa. It consists of 20 questions, each with four possible
answers, of which only one is correct. You will receive the feedback once you submit your
answers. The total for this assignment is 40 marks.

GUIDELINES FOR ASSIGNMENT 02:

 Go to Online Assessment in the left-hand menu on myUnisa.
 To begin, click on the assessment title: 2 Assignment 02

27
  Each question has only one correct answer.
 You will have THREE opportunities to complete this MCQ
 The highest mark obtained will then be used by the system.
 Don’t forget to click on Submit for Grading at the end of the assessment.
 You will receive feedback within three weeks after the due date.
TOTAL: 40 MARKS

ASSIGNMENT 03 (2nd SEMESTER) DUE DATE: 24 SEPTEMBER 2021

TOTAL: 60 MARKS

The questions for Assignment 03 are set out below. Answer ALL the questions in your own
words. Read each question carefully.

Question 1

Indicate whether the following statements are true or false.

1.1. The notes or documents to be used when witnesses want to refresh their memories must be
authentic, contemporaneous, original and disclosed. (1)
1.2. Audio recording, visual and written notes are common ways of taking notes. (1)
1.3. An interrogation can take place without the suspect's constitutional rights being taken into
consideration. (1)
1.4. The "burden of proof" applies to the side (party) that must prove their case/claim in order to
succeed. (1)
1.5. A confession is an unambiguous, clear and open admission of guilt, where the accused
makes a statement denying all the elements of the crime. (1)
1.6. Unsworn statements, such as press releases, statements made by suspects and dying
declarations, can be used in cross-examination. (1)
1.7. Hearsay is when a person makes a statement regarding something that was told to him/her
by somebody else. (1)
1.8. An uncooperative witness gives the affidavit freely and voluntarily. (1)

28
 FOR1501/101/3/2021

1.9. The preamble to the statement contains the full name, surname, contact details, racial group,
identity number and further particulars. (1)
1.10. A complete, well-organised and professionally written sworn witness statement must be
accurate, concise, objective, comprehensive and truthful. (1)
[10]

Question 2
2.1 Discuss a procedure for assessing and entering a crime scene. (5)
2.2 Preserving the integrity of evidence at the crime scene means that it must not become
contaminated. Mention five things that you, as an investigator, should not do at a crime scene.
(5)
[10]
Question 3

The “Five Whiskeys and One Hotel” principle (5WH) is fundamental to any investigator who
endeavours to obtain complete information in a well-structured and systematic manner. List the
questions associated with the 5WH principle and give two examples of each question. [10]

Question 4
Explain the difference between criminal and civil investigations, including relevant examples of
each. [10]

29
Question 5

Statement taking
An incident is reported to Mr Reg Abrahams, the HR manager at M&B Insurance. One of his
administrative staff, Ms Pinki Moloi, alleged that she went out for lunch and, upon returning to her
desk, found that her company-issued Dell laptop and her private cellphone were missing. Mr Reg
Abrahams reports the matter to the Risk Management office, after which a corporate investigator
(Ms Cynthia Khumalo) is tasked with the investigation into the matter.

Assume that you are Ms Cynthia Khumalo. You have to obtain a statement from Ms Pinki Moloi
that captures exactly what happened and records the relevant serial numbers and descriptions
of the cellphone and laptop that went missing. All the details provided in the case study should
be captured in the statement. Special attention should be given to the following:

• elements of the crime

• description of the scene
• description of the stolen property
• description of the suspect if available
• administering the affirmation

Marks are allocated as follows:

• preamble – 5 marks
• content of the statement – 7 marks
• certification and conclusion of the statement – 8 marks [20]
TOTAL: 60

8.6 Other assessment methods

Self-reflection activities are included in the module and can be found in the Discussion Forums.
None of these activities are compulsory.

8.7 The examination

 The ratio for your three assignments is 20:20:60. This means that Assignment 01 and
Assignment 02 each contribute 20% to your semester mark, while Assignment 03 contributes
60% to the semester mark.
 The ratio of the semester mark to the examination mark is 40:60. This means that your
semester mark counts 40% and your examination mark counts 60% towards your final mark,
which must be at least 50% for you to pass the module.

30
 FOR1501/101/3/2021

 The assignment activities and the self-assessment activities (those in the tutorial letters and
in the learning units of the study guide) are included in your learning material for a reason:
You can expect similar questions in the examination. However, don’t expect to find identical
questions in the examination paper.
 The assignment activities and self-assessment activities are merely an indication of important
learning units and topics.

 For general information and information on the requirements in respect of the assignments,
consult the brochure, Study @ Unisa. You must submit all three assignments in order to be
granted admission to the examination.

Examination period
This module (FOR1501) is a semester module in 2021.
 First semester: If you are registered for the first semester, you will write the examination
in May/June 2021. Supplementary examinations will be written in October/November 2021.
 Second semester: If you are registered for the second semester, you will write the
examination in October/November 2021. Supplementary examinations will be written in
May/June 2022.

During the semester, the Examination Section will provide you with general information
concerning the examination, the examination venues and the examination times. This
information will also be available on myUnisa.

Examination paper
You will write one two-hour paper that counts 100 marks. The questions in the examination
paper will be drawn from the following sources:

 the study guide for Forensic Methods and Techniques

 Tutorial Letter FOR1501/101/3/2021 (this tutorial letter)
 the tutorial letters containing feedback on the assignments

TAKE NOTE:
 No examination results will be provided telephonically to students.
 You must submit all three assignments in order to be granted admission to the examination.
Remember, you must achieve a subminimum of 40% in the examination in order for your

31
 semester mark (which is calculated on the basis of your assignments) to be taken into
account.
 If you have an acceptable reason for being unable to write the examination and you can
provide written proof of the circumstances that make it impossible for you to write the
examination, you may apply for admission to write the examination later.

Acceptable reasons for not being able to write the examination are as follows:
 illness or an accident, supported by an acceptable medical certificate.
 compassionate reasons, such as death, illness, an accident or a similar situation that affects
an immediate family member, supported by acceptable documentation.

Previous examination papers are not available to students on myUnisa. It is therefore safe
for you to assume that the examination questions will be similar to the questions included in
t h i s t u t o r i a l l e t t e r ( Tutorial Letter FOR1501/101/3/2021) and in the assignments. NO
“scope” is given for the examination, but the examination questions will cover the same
themes as those covered in the assignments.

9 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

The Study @ Unisa brochure contains an A–Z guide to the most relevant study information.
Please consult this guide. You can also read the FAQs on myUnisa – you will find them in the
navigation pane on the left-hand side of the screen. You are also welcomed to contact me if
you have any subject-related queries.

10 IN CLOSING
I sincerely hope that you will enjoy this module and I wish you every success in the
assignments and in the examination.

Kind regards
Mr P Machethe
Lecturer: Forensic Methods and Techniques
Brooklyn House
337 Veale Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria
012 433 9447
emachep@unisa.ac.za

32