
OUR MISSION EXPLAINED IN 5 STEPS
Our goal is to help find solution based action in the fight against crime.
Through our experienced forensic DNA experts and key opinion leaders, we offer the data and policy information needed to make DNA database strategy decisions in the following ways:
PODCAST SERIES
Vanessa Lynch, Regional Director of DNAforAfrica as she talks about the mission behind DNAforAfrica and her thoughts on how Africa can benefit from using DNA and DNA Databases to solve crime and assist victims of crime and GBV.
PODCAST SERIES
Vanessa Lynch, Regional Director of DNAforAfrica as she talks about the mission behind DNAforAfrica and her thoughts on how Africa can benefit from using DNA and DNA Databases to solve crime and assist victims of crime and GBV.
PODCAST SERIES
Vanessa Lynch, Regional Director of DNAforAfrica as she talks about the mission behind DNAforAfrica and her thoughts on how Africa can benefit from using DNA and DNA Databases to solve crime and assist victims of crime and GBV.
WE ARE DNAforAfrica
#JusticeIsInOurDNA
This page is dedicated to our network of people united against crime in Africa: Change advocates, lobbyists, forensic scientists, researchers and humanitarians. DNAforAfrica's objective is to highlight the importance of DNA sampling when it comes to fighting violent crime, human trafficking, sexual assault and missing persons cases. Advocacy in this arena is very low in Africa and we believe that by amplifying each other's voices, we can make our message clear.
Click on each picture to learn more about each DNA Crusader's work.
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Donna-Lee Pamela Martin, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Forensic Genetics at the University of Cape Town. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, her academic and research work focuses on the application of genetic science in forensic investigations, contributing to advancements in human identification and criminal justice.
Donna-Lee Martin
Postdoctoral Research Fellow




Brig. Joe Smith is the Section Head of Forensic Database Management at the Forensic Services Division in SAPS. He has more than 34 years experience in the field of forensic science and has played an active and pivotal role in the establishment of the National Forensic DNA Database and the implementation of the provisions of the DNA Act.
Brig. Joe Smith
DNA Database Specialist




Mbali Shongwe is the founder of a youth-based NGO, Mindful(l) Organisation and an intersectional activist focusing on GBV and mental health issues.
She is an active advocate for DNA policy reform and her voice has been instructive in getting the CO Bill passed and backlog reduced.
Ms Mbali Shongwe
Humanitarian




Yahaya is a forensic scientist with a background in forensic science. He is dedicated to advancing the field through education, outreach, and policy advocacy. As the founder of FSOG and Chair of The Confident Scientist, he works to enhance science communication and promote the role of forensic science in achieving justice.
Mr Yahaya Sumara
Forensic Scientist




Lisa Smith is a Professor of Criminology, and Head of School of Criminology at the University of Leicester. Lisa has been leading a team of researchers and NGOs to pilot innovative DNA evidence kits in Kenyan Gender Violence Recovery Clinics, to enhance access to justice for survivors of sexual violence.
Prof. Lisa Smith
Criminologist




Malaika Oringo is a voice for human-trafficking survivors, who has been involved in fighting this crime as global consultant & advisory board member. Her message is that freedom is more than the moment of exiting from slavery; it is an ongoing journey requiring continuous support from all stakeholders including survivor leaders. Her current work is focused on facilitating a united survivor network in East Africa.
Ms Malaika Oringo
Humanitarian




Prof. Bruce Budowle has worked with the FBI, been Director of the Center for Human Identification, is one of the original architects of CODIS and holds a rare academic distinction as Regents Professor for the impact of his extensive body of work.
Prof. Bruce Budowle
Forensic Scientist




Master’s in forensic medicine, Dr. Nyamunga is recognized as a pioneer in the field of forensic odontology in Kenya. Her career has been deeply influenced by her passion for supporting and uplifting others, contributing her expertise to numerous forensic investigations.
Dr Donna Nyamunga
Kenya, Nairobi




Marissa Pledger has a strong background in development studies, international relations, and health promotion. Marissa has served in various roles such as Deputy Director, Project Manager, Consultant, Resident Assistant, and Preventative Health Extension Agent. Marissa has experience in managing budgets, overseeing personnel, developing training programs, coordinating events, and promoting health and wellness initiatives. Marissa holds a Master's degree in Development Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Affairs.
Marissa Pledger
Panzi Foundation




Sharlene is a forensic DNA expert with over 30 years at the South African Police Service Forensic Science Laboratory. She has provided DNA testimony in more than 600 cases, including several high-profile murders. Specializing in STR analysis since 1997, she is recognized for her expertise in forensic DNA evidence.
Lt Col. Sharlene Otto
Lieutenant Colonel




Uwom Okereke Eze is a forensic pathologist and clinical forensic physician specialising in forensic death investigation, medicolegal systems, management of the dead, and clinical forensic caseloads.
Uwom is also the President of the African Society of Forensic Medicine (ASFM).
Dr Uwom Eze
Forensic Pathologist




Adv Bonnie Currie-Gamwo Special Director of Public Prosecutions: Sexual Offences and Community Affairs. She is the visionary behind the Thuthuzela Care Centre model, one-stop centres that reduce secondary victimisation and help buiolding cases ready for successful convictions.
Adv Bonnie Currie-Gamwo
Forensic Scientist




Mr Innocent Makasa is specializing in Forensic DNA Analysis and has played a pivotal role in the establishment of Zambia's first Forensic DNA Laboratory. As an advocate for quality standards, Makasa strives to enforce statutory measures to eliminate the misapplication of forensic science. Currently, Makasa is working diligently towards establishing the Zambian autosomal and gonosomal DNA Population databases, which will provide statistical estimation of the evidential value of a DNA match.
Mr Innocent Makasa
Forensic Analyst




Dr Joseph Kimani has a doctorate in Human Genetics and is published on allele frequencies and pathogenic mutations, in several International journals. With twenty fours years of experience in the Forensics field, he specialises mainly in Forensic DNA analysis for cases in homicide, sexual offences, human identification of postmortem and skeletonized remains, and genetic relatedness using STR markers and Y DNA haplotypes.
Dr Joseph Kimani
Government Chemist




Dr. Abubaker has been instrumental in advancing Libya's forensic capabilities, emphasizing the importance of DNA-based identification and the establishment of centralized records to enhance coordination among various agencies. He actively collaborates with international organizations, such as the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), to strengthen institutional frameworks and uphold the rights of families affected by disappearances.
Dr Kamal Abubaker
GASIMP Libya




Dr. Itumeleng Molefe is a Senior lecturer in the Division of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, University of Cape Town (UCT), Faculty of Health Sciences and is a Researcher in and the Co-Director of the Neuroscience Institute Brain Bank project. The topic of her MMed thesis is Violence Against Women: Epidemiology and Pathology of Femicides and Suspected Sexual Homicides in Cape Town.
Dr Itumeleng Molefe
Forensic Pathologist




Fred is a forensic scientist and educator based in Rwanda. With a BSc (Hon) in Forensics, LLB, and an LLM in International Criminal Law, he is actively involved in promoting and educating about the role of forensic science in the criminal justice system in Rwanda. He serves as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Kigali, contributing to the academic development of future forensic professionals
Mr Fred Kagame
Forensic Scientis




Dr. Carolyn Hancock is a South African geneticist and humanitarian leader based in KwaZulu-Natal. With a PhD in Genetics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, she lectured in genetics and biotechnology for over a decade. She is the Chairperson of Angels' Care Centre and Thembelihle School, organizations dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and survivors of gender-based violence.
Dr Carolyn Hancock
Humanitarian




Sir Alec Jeffreys is Professor of Genetics at the University of Leicester, and was knighted for services to genetics. We honour him as "the Father of Genetic Fingerprinting". DNA profiling was also developed by Jeffreys and his team in 1985, becoming the standard forensic DNA system used in criminal case work worldwide.
Sir Alec Jeffreys
Forensic Scientist

