Software News South Africa

3D modelling used in murder case

A computer-generated three-dimensional model of the Griekwastad farm murder scene will be used in the Kimberley High Court.

The State plans to use the model in its case against the 16-year-old boy accused of killing Northern Cape farmer Deon Steenkamp, 44, his wife Christelle, 43, and daughter Marthella, 14.

Crime scene expert Colonel Sietze Albertse confirmed to the boy's lawyer, Willem Coetzee, that he compiled the model. The court heard it could be manipulated.

Albertse said he could put things in the model and take things away. He said the use of colour codes was to help the presenter explain aspects of the crime scene.

"The point is the evidence points on the crime scene stays the same," he said.

Earlier Albertse explained the new crime scene technology used a camera that could take 360 degree photographs. It was used with computer software to reconstruct a three-dimensional representation of a crime.

Albertse explained the software made it easier to get a whole picture of the scene, to better demonstrate it. Evidence gathered could be shown on a computer, television, or projected onto a screen. The software also allowed for evidence that had been photographed to be displayed.

Coetzee questioned Albertse's visit to the crime scene with the investigator and the prosecution in August last year, while the boy already had legal representation.

The Steenkamps were shot on their farm Naauwhoek, near Griekwastad, on 6 April last year.

The trial continues.

Source: Sapa via I-Net Bridge

Source: I-Net Bridge

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