Rape accused has rare DNA

File picture: Yuriko Nakao

File picture: Yuriko Nakao

Published Sep 17, 2014

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Pietermaritzburg - A condom found at a gang rape scene showed an alleged rapist's DNA was so rare it would occur only once in 600 billion people, the Pietermaritzburg High Court heard on Wednesday.

SA Police Service forensic scientist Lieutenant Yolandi van der Merwe said a used condom left in Pietermaritzburg matched that of Bekokwakhe Mpanza, 28.

The Pretoria SAPS forensic laboratory matched the DNA on the condom to Mpanza's. He is charged with four rapes.

The four charges include rapes perpetrated by his companion, who is still being sought.

The State alleges they took turns to rape the victim. They helped each other, kept watch, and prevented her escape.

Mpanza is also charged with housbreaking with intent to rob and rape, and aggravated robbery of R500 and sound equipment. He has pleaded not guilty.

The case continues this week.

Sapa

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