Ground-breaking forensic researcher combats crime in SA

Thabang Bogopa, Unisa master’s student in Criminal Justice

“The recent hikes in illegal bombings made me realise that there is an urgent need for academic focus on curbing the illegal access to and use of explosives,” says Thabang Bogopa, a master’s student in Criminal Justice and winner of the 2019 Research and Innovation Challenge at Unisa.

In South Africa, there is a growing challenge of criminals and illegal miners smuggling explosives to commit cash-in-transit robberies. According to Bogopa, explosives are categorised as weapons of mass destruction and police are under pressure to stop these heists.

To help the country in preventing heists before they can be carried out, Bogopa developed a solution to prevent the misuse of explosives. He designed software that will aid mines in integrating the legal requirements of explosives control. This will support access control and supplement biometrics used presently.

The process of designing this software was initially disrupted by the Covid-19 national lockdown where access to resources, connectivity and funding was affected, but Bogopa is now in the testing phase of his innovative explosives ICT control system funded by the university.

As a forensic scientist and seasoned detective, Bogopa started his distance learning journey in 2012 when he registered for a Diploma in Security Management. This was followed by a BTech in Forensic Investigation and he is now enrolled for a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice. Studying from a distance and connecting to the university mostly via the internet gave Bogopa the flexibility to work and study at the same time. His focus is on police forensic science and technology with an interest in explosives regulations, bombings, and white-collar crime investigation. His doctoral plans include looking into the integration of nanoscience and nanotechnology with crime investigation techniques.

Bogopa’s innovation was also inspired by previous cash-in-transit heist research conducted by Unisa’s Dr Mahlogonolo Thobane in the Department of Criminology and Security and Dr Hennie Lochner in the Department of Police Practice. “They made me realise that there is a gap in the academic body of knowledge relating to the illegal use of explosives,” he says.

Furthermore, Bogopa was influenced by conferences he attended to comprehend that the academic recommendations and solutions were not implemented by relevant industries. “Therefore,” he says, “I took the decision to unpack scientific research findings into a tangible, user-friendly solution which can be used even by non-academics. The rate at which explosives are easily accessed by criminals is a burning issue currently, and this solution can curb the imminent danger posed by the illegal access to explosives.”

His mentor and supervisor, Professor Trevor Budhram from Unisa’s School of Criminal Justice in the College of Law, says Bogopa’s research success can be attributed to his willingness to learn and follow instructions specific to his research work. “He has a high level of persistence and, most importantly, enjoys his field of research,” says Budhram. “Furthermore, being a practitioner and conducting research in his field of expertise allows him to be exposed to the most recent trends in related crimes being perpetrated.”

Budhram has a cordial relationship with his research students. “I am always available via various electronic platforms to interact,” he says. “Most importantly, interactions do not only involve work, but include general discussions including taking a personal interest in the students’ wellbeing.   The students therefore feel comfortable to communicate and the student-supervisor relationship is more one of friendship,” he concludes.

*By Lesego Ravhudzulo, Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement