Forensic mapping in a civil proceeding in South Africa

Abstract

Abstract. This paper discusses the application of forensic cartography in a civil arbitration case. This arbitration case stemmed from a hijacking of a freight of cigarettes on the 9th of May 2012. Forensic cartography in the form of a report was used to illustrate that the driver of a third-party logistics company was complicit with the crime syndicate that committed the hijacking. Cell phone data was used to map the communication between the various suspects and the driver. The time period of interest was between 15 December 2011 and 9 May 2012. The cellular base stations were used to map these communications in time and space. Based on the evidence provided it was clear that the driver of the third-party logistics company was complicit in committing the crime which led to the arbitration proceedings to be settled by the third-party logistics company in favour of the cigarette manufacturer. Further, it was concluded that the cartographic representation selection for forensic purposes is dictated by the specific case being investigated.