To catch a crook... U3A speaker enlightens audience
Ever wondered how they catch the crooks, or how and why one got away?
On Wednesday February 5, at 10am at the Strand Town Hall, the U3A year will start with an opening address by Lieutenant-Colonel Sharlene Otto, on forensics and forensic DNA.
Forensic science involves applying scientific principles and methods to support legal decision-making in matters of criminal and civil law.
In criminal investigations especially, there are legal standards regarding evidence and procedure.
Forensics is a broad field involving, among others, the analysis of DNA, fingerprints, bloodstain patterns, firearms, ballistics, toxicology, microscopy and fire debris.
Initially, Lt Col Sharlene Otto obtained a BSc degree in Botany and Zoology at the University of the Orange Free State to become a Biology teacher.
However, after four years of teaching, she joined the SAPS as a civilian following her husband’s posting as Station Commander to the Hogsback Police Station.
In 1993 the Ottos moved to the SAPS in Johannesburg (Soweto), where Sharlene worked at the local criminal record centre in John Vorster Square.
Soon thereafter she had the opportunity to move to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Silverton, Pretoria, and her career in Forensics took off.
In December 1997 the family moved to Cape Town, where Sharlene helped to establish the Biology section at the Forensic Science Laboratory.
The years in the Cape also saw her lecturing at the universities of Stellenbosch, Western Cape and Cape Town.
Sharlene is passionate about Forensic DNA. During her career she testified in more than 600 court cases including some of the most widely publicised and gruesome criminal cases in South Africa.
She will share her experiences of forensics and DNA applications in the SAPS with us and may even give us a glimpse into the work behind the scenes to bring criminals to justice.
After 31 years of forensics service in the SAPS, she retired in September 2024 as Lt Col Otto, Commander of the DNA Reporting Section of the Biology unit of the SAPS Forensics Laboratory.
Entry for members is free, and visitors pay R20 at the door. Members can collect their updated membership badges before the meeting. For more information, call Denise Fourie at 072 211 1173.