South Africa is affectionately known as “The Rainbow Nation,” not only because of its cultural diversity but for its scenic diversity and beauty. But South Africa also harbors a darker side; it holds the unenviable title of the rape capital of the world, with over 115 rapes and an average of 58 murders occurring daily. This video tells the story of how one crusader, Vanessa Lynch, turned the devastating news that her father’s killers would never be brought to justice into a mission that would transform the criminal justice system in South Africa, and beyond.
In the wake of her father’s brutal murder, Lynch started The DNA Project, a non-profit organization that aims to combat violent crime in South Africa. The DNA Project has not only helped shape the nation’s DNA laws and regulations but has also been involved in setting up National Crime Scene awareness and education campaigns. All of this work culminated in the growth of the national DNA database to over 1 million profiles in 2020, contributing to over 64,000 hits.
Watch the full video to see how Lynch is using her powerful lessons learned to help other African nations build out their national forensic DNA infrastructures. Lynch shares these lessons in the hope that others may be motivated to join the crusade to fight crime with science—to join forces and #FightCrimeTogether.
For research, forensic, or paternity use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
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