DNA found on cigarette butt links man to Pretoria murder scene

The DNA of a man accused of murdering a Pretoria North woman was found at the crime scene, the High Court in Pretoria heard on Wednesday.

Forensic expert Major Shamil Govan testified that Sipho Masiqa's DNA was found on a cigarette butt at the murder scene.

"The chance of someone else having this DNA is one in 6.8 trillion people," he told the court, adding that the world's population was about seven billion.

"We expect to see this DNA profile again if there were 1000 earths. The DNA is the same in all areas. It is a match."

Masiqa, 34, Raymond Matshaba, 27 and Bradley Molefe, 34, are accused of murdering Thifhelimbilu Mashau, her eight-month-old baby Avheani, and her four-year-old daughter Adivhaho in their home in July 2010.

They have pleaded not guilty to the murders, and to charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, and rape.

The State alleges they strangled the two children and robbed their mother of her car and other goods at their Theresa Park home, before taking her to Ga-Rankuwa, where they raped and murdered her.

Govan also testified about condoms found at Mashau's house.

"Despite multiple analysis of each of the condoms, not enough DNA or no DNA, could be found on them." The condoms tested negative for sperm and blood.

During proceedings on Wednesday, former Constable Simon Tswai testified that he arrested Molefe on August 4, 2010, in Ga-Rankuwa.

He said he read him his rights and questioned him about items stolen from Mashau's house.

Molefe told him they were hidden under a bridge on the M17 in Shoshanguve and they drove to the location. "He then pointed out those things to me under the bridge," Tswai said.

They found a DVD player and parts of a home sound system.

On Tuesday, the court heard that Mashau's car was chopped up, that some parts were sold and that the rest of the vehicle was burnt within a day of her murder.