Johannes Hendrik Smith

Detail-oriented Forensic Services professional with a strong passion for criminal investigation and forensic science. Experienced in collaborating with investigators to pursue leads in serial and multiple offender casework. Demonstrates a proactive approach to problem-solving and excels in both independent and team environments, ensuring high-quality outcomes.

• SANAS Specialist Technical Committee
• SAQA Standards Generating Body for Forensic Science (2003 to 2006)
• Forensic National Pathology Committee of the Department of Health (2002 to 2007)
• Core & Broader Management Meetings (Div:FS)
• Forensic Management Board (FSL)
• Quality Committee (FSL)
• Information Technology Committee (FSL)
• Finance Committee (FSL)
• Human Resource Committee (FSL)
• Training Committee (FSL)
• Candidate also attended on ad hoc basis or by invitation to several meetings with Division Training (as it was previously named)
• SAPS Steering Committee for EU funded projects

• Civilian Rank:
• Control Forensic Analyst:1996
• Senior Forensic Analyst:1994
• Forensic Analyst:1992
• Assistant Forensic Analyst:1990

• Included various responsibilities inter alia:
• Section Head: Forensic Database Management – custodian of the National Forensic DNA database of SA (since 2012-09 – 7 years to date)
• Section Commander: Forensic DNA database (5 years)
• Control Forensic Analyst (11 years)
• Commander: Quality: Biology (5years)
• Supervisor: Semenology /Serology (6 years)

• 1) Specialist Technical Committee Subcommittee for Forensic of South African National Accreditation Service (SANAS) (was appointed the first chair in 2000 and served for 3 years).
• The following documents were compiled and approved under my chairmanship:
• TG 06-01: SANAS Standard for Forensic Testing laboratories
• TG 49-01 SANAS Guidelines for DNA testing laboratories
• SANAS chemistry validation document
• 2) Subcommittee for field of forensic biology of the Standards Generating Body (SGB) of the South African Quality Authority
• NQF6: Forensic Biology

• 1) FSL Quality Committee
• Under my chairmanship a Quality Management System based on ISO17025 was designed and implemented
• Proficiency tests introduced in the FSL
• Competency testing and authorization to work independently schemas at the FSL
• Critical equipment preventative & corrective maintenance
• 2) Health & Safety Committee
• Was responsible to ensure compliance to OHSAct. 1985 and implemented inter alia safe working procedures; identification and use of PPE; medical surveillance & monitoring; safe disposal of hazardous chemical and biological products
• 3) FSL Training Committee
• Under my chairmanship, training facilitation documentation (eg training manual and assessor guides and training documentation of learners was maintained) was compiled for various internal forensic courses

• 1) FORENSIC DATABASE MANEGENENT /DNA DATA BASE MANAGEMENT (10years)
• Management of the forensic DNA database
• Providing strategic input on the direction of prescripts & legislation, directives, national instructions and implementation plans for the forensic DNA database.
• Compiling of quality assurance and control: policy and procedures applied to the DNA data management and data storage of forensic databases, including on the communication of forensic DNA leads and communication
• Compiling of business requirement specification for forensic DNA database, including the business rules that enable accurate data transfer process
• Facilitating the compiling of business process models, data flows of the forensic DNA database
• Providing input to Technology Management Systems on the security requirements wrt access and management of the forensic DNA profiles and database
• Ensure the implementation of the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act, Act 37 of 2015 (facilitate the drafting of the implementation plan and regular meeting with stakeholders ( eg internally in the Division: Forensic Services and with Detectives and VISPOL) to ensure compliance and implementation; and drafting of internal communication)
• 2) QUALITY & ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT (6 years full time plus in total quality management another 12 years providing input; and 9 months as acting Component Head: Quality)
• Design and facilitation of the implementation of a Quality Management System in the Forensic Science Laboratory, including the formulating & compiling of policy, safe standard operating procedures and manuals in accordance with legislative prescripts and national/international standards.
• Facilitated the drafting of the revised Explosive Regulations and aligning thereof to the Explosive Act.
• Facilitated the drafting of the draft Health & Safety Manual and approved Divisional Policies for Health & Safety, aligning to the requirements of ISO14001 and OHSAS 18001 standards.
• Provided strategic direction to Senior Management on quality, health & safety and environment management including medical surveillance and monitoring
• Performed internal (FSL) and external audits (eg Irene Improvement Centre, Department of Agriculture) to ensure compliance to the Quality Management System
• Provided inputs to dispute resolution of assessments which were conducted by the South African National Accreditation System on paternity laboratories
• Facilitate the compilation of national standards and guidelines for South African National Accreditation System to be applied to forensic testing and calibration laboratories
• Managed resources within the Forensic Science Laboratory with the implementation and management of the Quality Management System
• Compiled recommendations for the African Genetic Society for DNA profiling on implementing minimum standards for forensic DNA and paternity laboratories (1998)
• Ensured that the Forensic Science Laboratory complied to OHSAct after receiving a notice for non-compliance in 1998.
• Quality Management in the Division: Forensic Services
• 3) TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT
• Provided input on strategic direction of forensic biology employment of chemistry and equipment including verification, maintenance, compiling and revising specification documentation and use thereof, and also compliance to standards and legal prescripts
• Provided input on validation criteria
• Facilitated business process work flow and processes of DNA casework and analysis of samples
• Keeping abreast with the advancement of forensic technology (in particular DNA and have a general overview of other forensic disciplines)
• Ensure regular subject matter discussion with my personnel
• 4) DEVELOPMENT FACILITATION
• Ensured that a standardized competency profile and grid and the statement of expertise to support the requirements of ISO17025, ISO17020 and ISO19000 is completed for forensic examiners
• Engagement and attending meetings with the Division: Human Resource Development to ensure responsive to the needs of Division: Forensic Services (example the review and development of crime scene learning material; facilitating the registration of forensic expert training courses on the Training Administration System, including forensic awareness in SAPS learning programs)
• Drafting of the Divisional Policies for Development Facilitation, Development Facilitation and Mentorship & Coaching
• Facilitated input into revising the Resolving of Crime (Detective) Learning Programme
• Provided input into forensic training manuals

• Journal articles
• J.H. Smith, G.N. Labuschagne, R. Jewkes, et al., and J.S. Horne. 2026. Investigating Unresolved Serial Rape Cases in South Africa: The Ekurhuleni Serial Rape Case. J Police Crim Psych DOI: 10.1007/s11896-026-09830-5
• J.H. Smith and J.S. Horne. 2026. The Identification, Processing and Investigation of Forensic Investigative Leads in the South African Police Service. SN Social Sciences, 6:99. DOI: 10.1007/s43545-025-01277-5.
• M. Singh, J.H. Smith and K. Ehlers. 2026. Familial DNA searching for identifying missing and unidentified persons in South Africa. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences. DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2026.2687500
• K. Dooley, J.H. Smith and K. Ehlers. 2026. Integrating RM Y-STRs into South African Sexual Offence Casework: A Narrative, Problem-Oriented Review. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences. DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2026.2654412.
• J.H. Smith, J.S. Horne, G.J. de Wet, M.M.J. Zeye and K. Simon. 2025. Forensic DNA Expert Evidence in the South African Context. African Journal of Legal Studies. DOI: 10.1163/17087384-12340112.
• M. Singh, J.H. Smith and K. Ehlers. 2025. Familial Searching Utilising the National Forensic DNA Database of South Africa (NFDD-ZA) to Aid in the Identification of Missing Persons and Unidentified Human Remains. Forensic Science International: Synergy. 11:2025, 100646 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100646
• J.H. Smith, K. Ehlers and J.S. Horne. 2025. The Intersection of Law and Forensic Science: Evaluating DNA Evidence in Tom v S. Pakistan Journal of Life & Social Sciences, 23(1):8401–8414. DOI: 10.57239/PJLSS-2025-23.1.00654
• J.H. Smith and J.S. Horne. 2025. The Importance of Forensic DNA Investigative Leads in the Investigation of Serial Rape Casework. OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development, 18 (12), 1329-1348, 2025., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=5939674
• J.H. Smith and J.S. Horne. 2024. Die geloofwaardigheid van leidrade in forensiese vuurwapenondersoeke [The Reliability of Clues in Forensic Firearm Examinations]. LitNet Akademies (Natuurwetenskappe), 21(2), 357–379. DOI: 10.56273/1995-5928/2024/j21n2f1.
• J.H. Smith and M. Singh. 2024. BITE MARKS – A BALANCED PERSPECTIVE. Student's Journal of Health Research Africa, 5(6), Article 3. DOI: 10.51168/sjhrafica.v5i6.1061
• K. Simon and J.H. Smith. 2024. The Impact on the Reporting of Forensic Findings in Criminal Proceedings. Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences, 22(2), 15485–15492. DOI: 10.57239/PJLSS-2024-22.2.001123.
• J.H. Smith and J.S. Horne. 2024. 4th DNA Forensic Symposium: Challenges and Future Directions in Africa. Forensic Science International: Synergy, 9:100523. DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2024.100523.
• K. Simon and J.H. Smith. 2024. Applying Frugal Principles in Forensic Sciences in Africa. International Journal of Business, Law and Political Science, 2(3):86–94. DOI: 10.61796/ijblps.v2i3.279.
• J.H. Smith and J.S. Horne. 2024. Readiness for Southern Africa to Employ Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy. Current Forensic Science, 2:e26664844316210. DOI: 10.2174/0126664844316210241003070113.
• J.H. Smith and J.S. Horne. 2024. Towards Ethical Forensic Practice: Undertaking Research on Biomaterials and Applications for Forensic Science. Forensic Science International: Synergy, 8:100459. DOI:10.1016/j.fsisyn.2024.100459.
• J.H. Smith and J.S. Horne. 2024. Forensic Training: Bridging the Gap Between Education and Workplace. Forensic Science International: Synergy, 8:100463. DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2024.100463.
• J.H. Smith and J.S. Horne. 2024. Establishing Forensic DNA Databases in Africa. Forensic Sciences Research, owae024. DOI: 10.1093/fsr/owae024.
• J.H. Smith and J.S. Horne. 2024. The Value of Forensic DNA Database. Pakistan Journal of Criminology, 16(2):1–18.
• J.H. Smith and J.S. Horne. 2024. Quality Management System in Forensic Science: An African Perspective. Forensic Science International: Synergy, 8:100476. DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2024.100476.
• J.H. Smith and J.S. Horne. 2024. Regulating Forensic Sciences in Southern Africa. Journal of Forensic Sciences and Criminal Investigations, 18(2):555987. https://juniperpublishers.com/jfsci/JFSCI-MS.ID.555987.php
• J.H. Smith and M. Singh. 2024. DNA Forensic and Forensic Investigative Leads. Journal of Forensic Medicine, 9(2):1–13. DOI: 10.37421/2472-1026.2024.9.347.
• J.H. Smith and J.S. Horne. 2024. The Processing of Forensic Investigative Leads in Criminal Investigations Conducted by the South African Police Service. International Journal of Social Science Research and Review, 7(4):284–303. DOI: 10.47814/ijssrr.v7i4.1984.
• Smith, J.H., & Singh, M. 2024. DNA Forensic and Forensic Investigative Leads. Journal of Forensic Medicine, 9(2): 347. DOI: 10.37421/2472-1026.2024.9.347
• J.H. Smith and J.S. Horne. 2024. Why Down-managing Backlog Forensic DNA Case Entries Matters. Journal of Forensic Science and Research, 8:1–8. DOI: 10.29328/journal.jfsr.1001056.
• J.H. Smith and M. Singh. 2024. Unlocking Secrets: Bioinformatics' Impact on Forensic Bio-Examinations. International Journal of Network Security & Its Applications, 16(2):9–15. DOI: 10.5121/ijnsa.2024.16201.
• J.H. Smith and M. Singh. 2024. Forensic DNA Profiling: Legal and Ethical Considerations. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports, 30(5):141–144. DOI: 10.9734/JSRR/2024/v30i51929.
• K. Simon and J.H. Smith. 2024. Why Optimizing Thresholds in Forensic Genetics Matters. Forensic Genetics. DOI not available.
• J.H. Smith and J.S. Horne. 2023. Letter to the Editors: Data Privacy and DNA Data. IASSIST Quarterly, 47(3–4):1–3. DOI: 10.29173/iq1044.
• J.H. Smith and J.S. Horne. 2023. The Value of Forensic DNA Investigative Leads in South Africa. Journal of Forensic Sciences and Criminal Investigation, 17(4). Permanent link:https://juniperpublishers.com/jfsci/pdf/JFSCI.MS.ID.555969.pdf
• J.H. Smith and J.S. Horne. 2023. Die belangrikheid van gehaltebestuurstelsels in forensiese DNS-toetslaboratoria in Suid-Afrika (The Importance of Quality Management Systems in Forensic DNA-testing Laboratories in South Africa).LitNet Akademies, 20(3):491–522. DOI: 10.56273/1995-5928/2023/j20n3b12.
• Book chapters
• J.H. Smith and H.J. Lochner. 2026. DNA and Cellphone Data. In H.J. Lochner (Ed.), Crime Scene Investigation (2nd ed., Chapter 9). Cape Town: Juta.
• J.H. Smith and R.J. Mokwena. 2025. Chapter: Medico-legal Evidence. In: J. Horne, R. Zinn and S.I. Dintwe (eds.), Forensic Investigation: Legislative Principles and Investigative Practice. 2nd ed. Cape Town: Juta. ISBN: 9781485152613.
• M.S. Manamela, J.H. Smith and R.J. Mokwena. 2025. Chapter: Serological Evidence and DNA Analysis. In: J. Horne, R. Zinn and S.I. Dintwe (eds.), Forensic Investigation: Legislative Principles and Investigative Practice. 2nd ed. Cape Town: Juta. ISBN: 9781485152613.
• J.H. Smith and R. Zinn. 2025. Chapter: Developments in Forensic Technology. In: J. Horne, R. Zinn and S.I. Dintwe (eds.), Forensic Investigation: Legislative Principles and Investigative Practice. 2nd ed. Cape Town: Juta. ISBN: 9781485152613.
• J.H. Smith. 2022. Forensic DNA Investigation. In H.R. Dash, P. Shrivastava and J.A. Lorente (Eds.), Handbook of DNA Profiling (pp. 3–28). Singapore: Springer.
• J.H. Smith and R.J. Mokwena. 2015. Medico-legal Evidence. In R. Zinn and S. Dintwe (Eds.), Forensic Investigation: Legislative Principles and Investigative Practice (pp. 67–92). Cape Town: Juta.
• M.S. Manamela, J.H. Smith and R.J. Mokwena. Serological Evidence and DNA Analysis. In R. Zinn and S. Dintwe (Eds.), Forensic Investigation: Legislative Principles and Investigative Practice (pp. 95–120). Cape Town: Juta.
• J.H. Smith and R.J. Mokwena. 2015. Developments in Forensic Technology. In R. Zinn and S. Dintwe (Eds.), Forensic Investigation: Legislative Principles and Investigative Practice (pp. 397–452). Cape Town: Juta.
• J.H. Smith. 1996. Accreditation (in Forensics). In DNA in Africa: Proceedings of the First Workshop on Standards for DNA Practice in Africa (pp. 53–59). Warmbaths: Perkin Elmer.
• Government publications
• J.H. Smith. 2018. Follow-up and Investigation of Forensic Investigative Leads. Pretoria: Government Gazette, South African Police Service.
• J.H. Smith. 2013. Input on Policy to Establish the National Forensic DNA Database. Pretoria: Government Gazette.
• Training manuals
• .H. Smith, DA, Rossouw, M. Singh, S. Mathyeand S.P. Sefafalala. 2026. Forensic DNA Investigative Lead Learning Material: Learner Guide. Pretoria: Government Printer.
• J.H. Smith, M. Singh and S.P. Sefafalala. 2018. Forensic DNA Database Comparison Search: Learner Guide. Pretoria: Government Printer.

Focusing on planting of succulents and cycads