Short Learning Programme in Commercial Forensic Investigation

The short course aims to equip participants with the fundamental knowledge and skills in commercial forensic investigation necessary to effectively participate in the prevention and combating of commercial crime and related irregularities.

Purpose of the course

The course will equip participants to plan, manage and execute professional, legally sustainable and effective commercial forensic investigations within the South African context.

Admission requirements

The successful completion of a senior certificate (Grade 12) plus two years of relevant experience or tertiary qualification in the field of commercial forensic practice.

Learning assumed to be in place

The ability to study and communicate in English on an acceptable academic level as well as basic skills to independently navigate in an e-learning learning environment.

Course outcomes and assessment criteria

Course outcomes and the associated assessment criteria

Outcomes

Assessment Criteria

On completion of the CED offering, the participant should be able to demonstrate:

The participant will reach the CED offering outcomes if he/she is able to:

a detailed knowledge of interviewing and related skills relevant to the investigation of crime within the commercial forensic environment;

apply detailed knowledge of the investigation process of crime in South Africa;

a detailed knowledge of the different forms of statements, drafting of statements and the administration thereof relevant to the investigation of crime within the commercial forensic environment;

practise a detailed knowledge of the interviewing process, conducting an interview, planning, and preparation for the interviewing process, dealing with whistle-blowers as well as the gaining of evidence on oath from recalcitrant potential witnesses;

a detailed knowledge of the process and practical execution of private search and seizure within the South African context relevant to the investigation of crime within the commercial forensic environment;

identify different types of statements and describe the purpose for obtaining such statements, including the correct way of administering the oath and drafting of witness statements;

a detailed knowledge of the South African commercial environment relevant to the investigation of crime within the commercial forensic environment;

show a detailed insight into case administration with regard to documentary evidence management, including the chain of evidence;

an ability to solve problems through the analysis of sets of facts and/or source documentation relating to the investigation of crime within the commercial forensic environment and to formulate arguments in an orderly fashion with reference to statutory requirements and applicable case law;

explain detailed knowledge of practical aspects relating to search and seizure by private persons having regard for the practical execution thereof, search warrants etc.;

an ability to evaluate different sources of information, to select information appropriate to the task, and to apply well-developed processes of analysis, synthesis and evaluation to that information relating to the investigation of crime within the commercial forensic environment; and

identify relevant public and private sources of information that find application within the investigation process;

an ability to present and communicate complex information reliably and coherently using appropriate academic and professional or occupational conventions, formats and technologies falling within the ambit of the investigation of crime within the commercial forensic environment.

apply detailed knowledge of the Criminal Procedure Act, 51 of 1977 and the applicability of evidence to an alleged offence in terms of section 205 thereof; and apply detailed knowledge of the application of basic research methods, techniques and technology that should be applied to the field of commercial forensic investigation, which include identifying, gathering, organising, critical analysing, evaluating, interpreting, and the writing up of subsequent findings in assignment format.

Assessment

Formative assessment: two written assignments and/or case studies.
Summative assessment: one 3-hour, 100-mark examination.

Method of assessment

Participants will have to submit two written assignments and/or cases studies (formative assessment) and complete a three-hour examination (summative assessment). The elements stated in the learning outcomes and assessment criteria will form the basis of the assessments.