PROJECT: WHEN THE SUSPECT IS STILL NEARBY - SURVIVAL AND CRIME SCENE CONTROL CAN SAVE LIVES (PART 2)

15 hours ago
4 min read

PLEASE SHARE THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT

South Africa continues to face high levels of violent crime, including home invasions, armed robberies,

aggravated assault, and murder. According to national crime statistics released annually,

thousands of serious and violent crimes occur inside homes and business premises each year.

Many of these incidents involve more than one offender.

In organised criminal activity, it is common for one suspect to remain nearby to monitor the scene,

observe police response times, intimidate witnesses, or return to remove evidence.

The period immediately after a violent crime is therefore not only traumatic — it is extremely dangerous.

At the same time, panic-driven actions often result in the destruction of vital forensic evidence,

weakening criminal cases and reducing conviction success.

THE CRIME RISK: SUSPECTS WHO REMAIN OR RETURN

After a violent crime, offenders may:
- Remain in the area to observe victims and police activity.
- Return to threaten or silence witnesses.
- Attempt to remove weapons or stolen items.
- Destroy or interfere with evidence.
- Complete an unfinished criminal objective.
In South Africa, many violent crimes are committed by groups working in coordination.
- One suspect may act as a lookout.
- Others may return once they believe the situation has calmed.
- This creates a real risk of secondary attacks or intimidation.
The first priority is always survival.
If a suspect may still be nearby:
- Move immediately to a secure location if it is safe to do so.
- Lock doors and secure all entry points.
- Remain out of sight and avoid confrontation.
- Call the SAPS and emergency services without delay.
- Do not re-enter unsecured areas.
Re-engaging with a suspect places lives at further risk and can escalate violence.

CRIME SCENE PRESERVATION: WHY IT MATTERS

Once safety is secured, crime scene preservation becomes critical.
Forensic evidence, such as fingerprints, DNA, blood patterns, shoe prints, firearm casings, and digital devices, can determine whether a suspect is arrested and successfully prosecuted.
In South Africa, many cases collapse in court due to contaminated or destroyed evidence.
Common mistakes made in panic include:
- Cleaning blood or broken glass.
- Picking up weapons or moving casings.
- Rearranging furniture.
- Allowing neighbours or family members to enter the scene.
- Posting details or photos on social media.
Even well-intended actions can destroy:
- Fingerprints.
- DNA evidence.
- Footwear impressions.
- Gunshot residue.
- Digital evidence from phones or CCTV systems.
Once evidence is disturbed, it cannot be restored.

LEGAL CONSEQUENCES AND RISKS:

Crime scene interference can have serious legal implications.
While victims acting in distress are rarely charged, deliberate interference, removal of evidence, or obstruction of justice can result in criminal charges.
South African law recognises offences such as defeating or obstructing the administration of justice.
This includes tampering with evidence or knowingly allowing evidence to be destroyed.
Uncontrolled crime scenes also:
- Reduce the likelihood of arrest.
- Weaken the prosecution’s case.
- Delay forensic analysis.
- Increase the possibility of acquittal.
Strict crime scene control protects both the investigation and the victim’s legal position.

OPERATIONAL REALITY:

Where early SAPS activation and controlled scene management take place, the results are clear:
- Increased survival by avoiding further suspect engagement.
- Higher probability of successful forensic recovery.
- Stronger criminal prosecution outcomes.
- Reduced legal exposure for victims and witnesses.
- Faster investigative progress.
The first minutes after a violent crime are not for cleaning, explaining, or posting online.
They are for survival, securing the scene, and activating law enforcement.

If you have experienced a violent crime, if a suspect may still be nearby,

or if you are unsure how to secure and

preserve a crime scene correctly, immediate professional intervention is critical.

Contact Mr. Mike Bolhuis of Specialised Security Services and his experienced Specialist Investigators.

SSS' expertise in crime scene management, investigative support,

and victim protection can make the difference between a failed case and a successful prosecution.

RELEVANT SSS PROJECT:

https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/project-how-violent-home-invaders-plan-a-crime-understanding-the-threat-part-1

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.

This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.

How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:

- https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VarjftF8PgsI4pODE929

3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.

4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)

CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za

Fax: 086 585 4924

Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -

https://www.facebook.com/MikeBolhuisOfficial

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.

STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.

POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv