KZN rape accused has 1 in 600 billion DNA

Pietermaritzburg - A condom found at a gang rape scene showed an alleged rapist's DNA was so rare it would occur only once in 600 billion people, the KwaZulu-Natal High Court in Pietermaritzburg heard on Wednesday.

SA Police Service forensic scientist Lieutenant Yolandi van der Merwe said a used condom left in Pietermaritzburg matched that of Bekokwakhe Mpanza, 28.

The Pretoria SAPS forensic laboratory matched the DNA on the condom to Mpanza's. He is charged with four rapes.

The four charges include rapes perpetrated by his companion, who is still being sought.

The State alleges they took turns to rape the victim.

They helped each other, kept watch, and prevented her escape.

Mpanza is also charged with housebreaking with intent to rob and rape, and aggravated robbery of R500 and sound equipment. He has pleaded not guilty.