FOR2605/101/3/2025

Tutorial Letter 101/3/2025

Scene of Incident
FOR2605

Semester 1 and 2

Police Practice Department

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please register on myUnisa, activate your myLife e-mail account and
make sure that you have regular access to the myUnisa module
website, FOR2605-2025-S1/S2, as well as your group website.

Note: This is a fully online module. It is, therefore, only available only on myUnisa.

BARCODE
 CONTENTS

Page

1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 4
2 MODULE OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 5
2.2 Outcomes ..................................................................................................................................... 5
3 CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION ........................................................................................... 5
4 CONTACTING THE UNIVERSITY ................................................................................................ 6
4.1 Lecturer(s) .................................................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Department ................................................................................................................................... 6
4.3 College of Law Information Centre ................................................................................................ 6
4.4 University ...................................................................................................................................... 7
5 RESOURCES ............................................................................................................................... 8
5.1 Prescribed book(s) ........................................................................................................................ 8
5.2 Recommended book(s) ................................................................................................................. 8
5.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves).................................................................................................. 8
6 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ................................................................................................ 9
6.1 The Unisa First-Year Experience Programme ............................................................................. 10
6.2 Using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to apply for module credit within a qualification. ....... 11
6.3 Companies falsely advertising Unisa services............................................................................. 12
7. STUDY PLAN ............................................................................................................................. 12
8 HOW TO STUDY ONLINE .......................................................................................................... 13
8.1 What does it mean to study fully online? ..................................................................................... 13
9. ASSESSMENT ........................................................................................................................... 13
9.1 Assessment criteria..................................................................................................................... 13
9.2 Assessment plan ........................................................................................................................ 14
9.3 Types of assignments and descriptions ...................................................................................... 14
9.4 Submission of assessments ........................................................................................................ 15
9.4.1 Submission of a quiz ................................................................................................................... 15
9.4.2 Submission of a written assessment ........................................................................................... 15
9.5 The examination ......................................................................................................................... 15
9.5.1 Invigilation/proctoring .................................................................................................................. 15
10. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY ........................................................................................................ 16

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10.1 Plagiarism ................................................................................................................................... 16

10.2 Cheating ..................................................................................................................................... 17
10.3 For more information about plagiarism, follow the link below: ..................................................... 17
11. STUDENTS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES .................................................................................. 17
12. DISPUTE RESOLUTION ............................................................................................................ 17
12.1 Academic matters ....................................................................................................................... 17
12.2 Administrative matters ................................................................................................................ 18
13. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ........................................................................................ 18
14. SOURCES CONSULTED ........................................................................................................... 18
15. IN CLOSING ............................................................................................................................... 19
16. ADDENDUM ............................................................................................................................... 19
ANNEXURE: GLOSSARY OF TERMS .................................................................................................. 19

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1 INTRODUCTION
Dear Student

Unisa is a comprehensive open distance e-learning (CODeL) higher education institution.

Our comprehensive curricula encapsulate a range of offerings, from strictly vocational to
strictly academic certificates, diplomas and degrees. Unisa's "openness" and its distance
eLearning character result in many students who may not previously have had an opportunity
to enrol in higher education registering at the university. Our CODeL character implies that
our programmes are carefully planned and structured to ensure success for students, ranging
from the under-prepared but with potential to those who are sufficiently prepared.

Teaching and learning in a CODeL context involve multiple modes of delivery, ranging from
blended to fully online learning. As a default position, all post-graduate programmes are
offered fully online with no printed study materials, while undergraduate programmes are
offered using a blended mode of delivery, where printed study materials are augmented with
online teaching and learning via the learner management system, myUnisa. In some
instances, undergraduate programmes are offered fully online.

Furthermore, our programmes are aligned with the vision, mission and values of the
University. Unisa's commitment to serving humanity and shaping futures – combined with a
clear appreciation of our location on the African continent – means that Unisa's graduates
have distinctive graduate qualities, which include:

• being independent, resilient, responsible and caring citizens able to fulfil and serve in
multiple roles in their immediate and future local, national and global communities

• having a critical understanding of their location on the African continent and taking
account of its histories, challenges and potential in relation to globally diverse
contexts

• the ability to critically analyse and evaluate the credibility and usefulness of
information and data from multiple sources in a globalised world with ever-increasing
information and data flows and competing worldviews

• how to apply their discipline-specific knowledges competently, ethically and creatively

to solve real-life problems

• an awareness of their own learning and developmental needs and future potential

(This module is offered online only)

The myUnisa virtual campus offers students access to the myModules site, where learning
material is available online and where assessments should be completed. Together, myUnisa
and myModules form an online system that is used to administer, document, and deliver
educational material to students and support engagement between those students and
Unisa’s academics. The myUnisa platform can be accessed via https://my.unisa.ac.za. Click
on the myModules 2025 button to access the online sites for the modules that you are
registered for. The University undertakes to communicate clearly and as frequently as is
necessary to ensure that you obtain the greatest benefit from your use of the myModules

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learning management system. Please access the Announcements on your myModules site
regularly, as this is where your lecturer will post important information to be shared with you.
You are encouraged to log into the module site on myUnisa regularly (that is, at least thrice
per week).

Because this is a fully online module, you will need to use myUnisa to study and complete
the learning activities for this module. Visit the website for [FOR2605] on myUnisa frequently.
The website for your module is [FOR2605-25-S].

We wish you every success with your studies!

2 MODULE OVERVIEW
2.1 Purpose

The purpose of this module is to provide you with insight into forensic investigation and to
develop your forensic investigation competencies regarding the scene of incident, techniques
and concepts in the private and public investigation environments. Once you have completed
this module, you will be able to conduct a successful investigation and compile the necessary
dockets, case files and reports. You will also be able to use the relevant recording resources
when capturing information.

2.2 Outcomes

For this module, you will have to master several outcomes:

• Specific outcome 1: Demonstrate specialist knowledge in forensic methods and

techniques to enable engagement with and critique of current research or practices.
• Specific outcome 2: Conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current
research in forensic methods and techniques.
• Specific outcome 3: Compile and produce a research report on forensic methods
and techniques that is communicated effectively and meets the standards of
scholarly and professional writing.

3 CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION
Unisa has implemented a transformation charter that places curriculum transformation high on
the teaching and learning agenda. Curriculum transformation includes student-centred
scholarship, the pedagogical renewal of teaching and assessment practices, the scholarship of
teaching and learning, and the infusion of African epistemologies and philosophies. All of these
are being phased in at both programme and module levels. As a result of this, you will notice a
marked change in the teaching and learning strategy implemented by Unisa, together with the
way in which the content is conceptualised in your modules. We encourage you to embrace
these changes during your studies at Unisa, responsively and within the framework of
transformation.

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4 CONTACTING THE UNIVERSITY
To assist Unisa to safeguard your personal information, please ensure that you only use your
myLife e-mail account when communicating with the university. We will not be responding to
any emails sent from private email addresses.
By using your myLife e-mail account, the university has a reasonable assurance that we are
communicating with you, as your e-mail address contains your student number and you use
your login credentials to access the account.
Unisa may only communicate with a student using a private e-mail address under the
following circumstances:

• New applicants who are enquiring about information for the purpose of applying for
admission.
• New applicants who do not yet have a myLife e-mail account, because they have
been admitted but not yet registered.
• Where a student requires assistance in resolving myLife e-mail account access
problems.

Please be aware that any personal information you publish on public platforms, such as social
media platforms, Telegram and WhatsApp groups, are not covered by the provisions of
Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013. Any personal information published in the
public domain is not considered private and can, therefore be accessed by external parties with
access to such platforms.
4.1 Lecturer(s)

The primary lecturer for this module is Professor D.Q. Mabunda:

Department: Police Practice
Telephone: 012 433 9467
E-mail: [email protected]

4.2 Department

You can contact the Department of Police Practice as follows:

Telephone number: 011 670 9334

E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]/za

4.3 College of Law Information Centre

For college-specific queries, please email [email protected] or

[email protected]. The college can also be contacted by phoning 012 429
4718/4860/6166/3253/4428.
Please send all emails from your mylife email account. If you send an e-mail directly to a
Unisa e-mail address, insert your student number in the subject line to ensure the correct
routing for processing.

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4.4 University

To contact the university, please dial 080 000 1870. Remember to keep your student number at
hand when contacting the university. The Unisa Student Communication Service Centre will be
open weekdays from 08:00 – 16:00 (South African Standard Time).

Please send all emails from your mylife email account. If you send an e-mail directly to a
Unisa e-mail address, insert your student number in the subject line to ensure that it is correctly
for processing. Please check the list carefully and send an enquiry to one e-mail address
only. This will ensure that there is no confusion as to who must respond, thereby preventing
unnecessary delays in the response or the email portrayed as spam. Students should only
forward enquiries to the Registrar and Deputy Registrar in instances where those
enquiries could not be resolved at other levels.

The contact information below should assist with the resolution of any administrative
query. For example, if you are enrolled with the College of Law and have a query about your
admission to a qualification, please contact [email protected].

The types of queries listed below should not be directed to the college BUT to the
relevant department listed below.

TYPE OF QUERY EMAIL ADDRESS TELEPHONE NUMBER

ICT
myUnisa [email protected] 012 429 3111 (Option 2)
myLife [email protected] 012 429 3111 (Option 2)
STUDENT ADMISSIONS AND REGISTRATIONS
General applications and registration
[email protected]
queries
Admisson and registration queries for
students enrolled with the College of [email protected]
Law
International students [email protected]
Exemptions [email protected]
Access and matriculation exemption [email protected]
Re-admissions [email protected]
STUDENT ASSESSMENT ADMINISTRATION
General assignment enquiries [email protected]
General exam queries [email protected] 012 429 8641
Aegrotat exams [email protected] 012 429 8641
Exam arrangements for students with [email protected]
012 429 8641
disabilities

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Exam admission [email protected] 012 429 8641
International students [email protected] 012 429 2268
Remarks [email protected] 012 429 8641
Purchase of an exam script [email protected] 012 429 8641
FINANCE
Student account enquiries [email protected] 012 429 2441/4299
STUDENT FUNDING
General student funding enquiries 012 441 5600
STUDY MATERIAL
Despatch enquiries [email protected]

5 RESOURCES
5.1 Prescribed book(s)

There are no prescribed books for this module.

5.2 Recommended book(s)

Lochner, H. & Zinn, R. 2015. Crime Scene Investigation. Cape Town: JUTA.

Van der Westhuizen, J. 1996. Forensic Criminalistics. 2 nd ed. Johannesburg: Heinemann.

Van Rooyen, H.J.N. 2008. The Practitioner’s guide to forensic investigation in South Africa.
Pretoria: Henmar.

Zinn, R. & Dintwe, S.I. 2014. Forensic investigation principles and investigative practice.
Pretoria: JUTA

Recommended material can be used as additional reading and can be requested online, via the
library catalogue.

5.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves)

N/A

Search for E-reserves at http://oasis.unisa.ac.za/search/r

E-reserves can be downloaded from the library webpage, option Find E-reserves

More information on finding e-reserves is available at:

5.4 Library services and resources

The Unisa Library offers a range of information services and resources and has made
numerous library guides available at http://libguides.unisa.ac.za

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Recommended guides:

• For brief information on the library, go to https://www.unisa.ac.za/library/libatglance

• For more detailed library information, go to
http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library
• For Frequently Asked Questions, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Frequently-Asked-Questions
• For research support and services such as the Personal Librarian service and the
Information Search Librarian's Literature Search Request (on your research topic)
service, go to http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-
services/Research-support
• For library training for undergraduate students, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-services/Training
• For Lending Services, go
to https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-services/Lending-
services
• For Services for Postgraduate students, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Services-for-Postgraduates
• For Support and Services for students with disabilities, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Services-for-students-with-
special-needs
• For Library Technology Support, go to https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/techsupport
• For information on finding and using library resources and tools, go to
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/Research_skills
• For an A–Z list of library databases, go to https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/az.php

Important contact information:

• Technical problems encountered in accessing library online services: Lib-
[email protected]
• General library-related queries: [email protected]
• Queries related to library fines and payments: [email protected]
• Interlibrary loan service for postgraduate students: [email protected]
• Literature Search Service: [email protected]
• Social media channels: Facebook: UnisaLibrary and X Twitter: @UnisaLibrary

To view the Library orientation video – please click here : Unisa Library and Information
Services Video_1_1 (2).mp4

6 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The Study @ Unisa brochure is available on myUnisa at www.unisa.ac.za/brochures/studies

This brochure contains important information and guidelines for successful studies through
Unisa.

If you need assistance concerning the myModules system, you are welcome to use the
following contact details:

• Toll-free landline: 0800 00 1870 (Select option 07 for myModules)

• E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

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You can access and view short videos on topics such as how to view your calendar, how to
access module content, how to view announcements for modules, how to submit assessments
and how to participate in forum activities by visiting https://dtls-
qa.unisa.ac.za/course/view.php?id=32130

Registered Unisa students receive a free myLife e-mail account. Important information,
notices and updates are sent exclusively to this account.

Please claim your e-mail account immediately after registering at Unisa by following this
link: https://www.unisa.ac.za/static/myunisa/Content/Announcements/Documents/Claim-
myUnisa-myLife-Nov-2017.pdf
Note that it can take up to 24 hours for your account to be activated after you have claimed it.

Your myLife account is the only e-mail account recognised by Unisa for official
correspondence between you and the University and it will remain your official primary e-mail
address on record at Unisa.

You remain responsible for the management of this e-mail account.

6.1 The Unisa First-Year Experience Programme

Many students find the transition from school education to tertiary education stressful and this is often
true for students enrolling at Unisa for the first time. Unisa is a dedicated open distance and e-learning
institution and is very different from face-to-face/contact institutions. It is a mega university and all its
programmes are offered through either blended learning or fully online learning. For these reasons, we
offer first-time students additional/extended support to help them navigate the Unisa teaching and
learning journey seamlessly and with little difficulty and few barriers.

Unisa’s First-Year Experience (FYE) Programme has been specially designed to provide you with
prompt and helpful information about the services that the institution offers.

The following FYE services are currently available:

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FYE Website Email Support

www.unisa.ac.za/FYE [email protected]

FYE1500
Post-
myUnisa; Study
Registration
Referrals to Skills; Academic &
Orientation Digital Literacies;
other support
services etc
e.g. Counselling;
Reading & Writing
workshops

To ensure that you do not miss out on important academic and support communication from
the SRU, please check your myLife inbox regularly.

6.2 Using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to apply for module credit within a
qualification.
Now that you are a registered student, you are advised to familiarise yourself with the learning outcomes
of the module or modules you have chosen. If you have been exposed to those learning outcomes for
three years or more – either through work experience or other involvement – you can apply to be
exempted from completing assignments and writing examinations. As part of your application for this
exemption, you will be required to compile a portfolio of evidence substantiating how your experience is
equivalent to the learning outcomes. The diagram below shows the steps involved in obtaining
recognition of prior learning (RPL) for module credit. For more information on the process, RPL fees, and
the contact details of your college RPL coordinator, visit the Unisa website: www.unisa.ac.za/rpl

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6.3 Companies falsely advertising Unisa services

Some companies and social media pages have been falsely advertising Unisa online
information and various services to assist Unisa students. In the process, companies either
solicit money fraudulently from students or make money through online advertising with no
benefit to students.
These companies are in no way associated or related to Unisa.
We request that students only use official Unisa sites and platforms as any other platforms will
provide you with incorrect information and/or act illegally which will be harmful to your studies.
Unisa will always use official communication channels (eg Unisa website, myUnisa, Unisa social
media platforms, myLife e-mail) to communicate with students.
Please use the following Unisa platforms for official Unisa information:

• www.unisa.ac.za
• https://my.unisa.ac.za
• https://www.facebook.com/UniversityOfSouthAfrica
• https://twitter.com/unisa
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/unisa

Please note that WhatsApp or Telegram are not official Unisa communication platforms
and the information published on such platforms is not quality assured by Unisa. However,
some lecturers may use these platforms as additional communication channels and will
specifically inform you of this on myUnisa.

7. STUDY PLAN
Consult Study@Unisa for guidelines on time management and planning. The following
information serves as a guideline only:

It is extremely important that you take ownership of your studies. As lifelong learners, students’
personal circumstances differ in many respects – these differences may relate to aspects such
as working hours (office hours or shifts), family responsibilities (children and duties at home)
and many other professional and social commitments.

How you manage your time is critical to your success as a student. You must devise a strategy
that will ensure that you allow enough time for your studies. You must consider all the factors
that vie for your attention. The most important thing is to strive towards a healthy balance
between all these factors and your commitment to your studies. Keep in mind that anything that
is worth doing comes at a price – and the price of success is perseverance and hard work. You
are very welcome to approach me for any advice or guidance that you might need regarding
time management and planning.

As an aid for you, I have drawn up a study plan that you can follow. I will post this study plan on
the module site under Additional Resources. The study plan is not cast in stone; it is intended

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to assist you as you work through the study guide, complete the assessments and prepare for
the examination. Remember that this plan is just a guideline. When life happens (and it will),
adjust the plan – but do not stop and do not give up.

Take note of important dates, such as the due dates of assignments and the examination
date. Ensure that you begin your preparation in good time and bear in mind that life can be very
unpredictable. You never know when an unexpected work or family commitment will make a
claim on your time and energy. If you qualify for annual leave, arrange it in good time and keep
your employer informed of your study goals. Always remember that learning is a journey, not a
destination. Part of this journey involves managing your time so that you can submit
assignments of a high standard and sit for the examination knowing that you are well prepared.

8 HOW TO STUDY ONLINE

8.1 What does it mean to study fully online?

This means that your learning take place on the University’s learning management system,
myUnisa and assignments will also be submitted and assessed on this platform. The same will
happen with your examination where software such as the Invigilator App and Turnitin will be
utilised to monitor possible academic dishonesty, for which the University has zero tolerance.

9. ASSESSMENT
9.1 Assessment criteria

• The validation and verification of information or incidents are explained during a

forensic investigation into criminal or civil transgressions or incidents.

• Various methods and techniques for the tracing and corroboration of information,
allegations, suspects or sources are discussed in a given case scenario.

• Statements pertaining to admissions and confessions are obtained and recorded

during a forensic investigation into criminal or civil transgressions or incidents.

• Informers are managed and utilised during a forensic investigation into criminal or
civil transgressions or incidents.

• The principles of testifying are applied during a forensic investigation into criminal or
civil transgressions or incidents.

• The internal and external reporting procedures are followed in terms of criminal or
civil and other transgressions or incidents.

• Case dockets, investigation files or reports are compiled based on a given case
study.

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9.2 Assessment plan

You must log into the module site on myUnisa in order to access the following:

• the due dates for assignments

• the actual assignments that must be completed

• how to submit your assignments

• the weighting of the different assessments

• admission to the exam

• the examination.
Please start working on your assessments as soon as you register for the module.

9.3 Types of assignments and descriptions

All assignments are defined as either optional, mandatory, compulsory, or elective.

Elective assignments
The student is given a choice of which assignments within an identified group to submit and
only the best result/s, the number of which is specified in advance, will contribute towards the
year mark.
Elective assignments must be grouped into an elective group.
For the student to select which assignment to submit, the elective assignments must be
grouped together. For such an elective group, relevant information (such as how many of the
assignments must be submitted and how many of the assignment marks should be combined
into the year mark) will be supplied to you.
The selection criteria define how marks received for assignments in an elective group are to be
combined into the year mark. Three different criteria may be used for calculating the year mark:
• The best mark should be used, or
• If the student submits fewer than the required number of assignments per group, or no
assignment in a group, a mark of 0% will be used.
• 0% is awarded to all non-submitted or unmarked assessments. A best mark is then
calculated from all the qualifying items submitted.

Mandatory assessments/assignments
Mandatory assessments/assignments contribute to the year mark.
If a student fails to submit a mandatory assignment, no mark is awarded and the year mark is
calculated accordingly. The student will therefore forfeit the marks attached to such an
assignment when the final mark for the module is calculated.

Optional assessments assignments

You are encouraged, as a student, to do optional assessments/assignments in order to benefit
your learning.

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9.4 Submission of assessments

When you access your myModules site for the module/s you are registered for, you will see a
welcome message posted by your lecturer. Below the welcome message you will see the
assessment shells for the assessments that you need to complete. Some assessments may be
multiple choice, some tests, others written assessments, some forum discussions, and so on.
All assessments must be completed on the assessment shells available on the respective
module platforms. You may not email your assessment to your lecturer.

9.4.1 Submission of a quiz

To complete quiz assessments, please log on to the module site where you need to complete
the assessment. Click on the relevant assessment shell (Assessment 1, Assessment 2, etc.).
There will be a date on which the assessment will open for you. When the assessment is open,
access the quiz online and complete it within the time available to you. Quiz assessment
questions are not included in this tutorial letter (Tutorial Letter 101) and are only made available
online. You must therefore access the quiz online and complete it online where the quiz has
been created.

It is not advisable to use a cell phone to complete the quiz. Please use a desktop computer,
tablet or laptop when completing the quiz. Students who use a cell phone find it difficult to
navigate the Online Assessment tool on the small screen and often struggle to navigate
between questions and successfully complete the quizzes. In addition, cell phones are more
vulnerable to dropped internet connections than other devices. If at all possible, please do not
use a cell phone for this assessment type.

9.4.2 Submission of a written assessment

For written assessments, please note the due date by which the assessment must be
submitted. Ensure that you follow the guidelines given by your lecturer to complete the
assessment. Click on the submission button on the relevant assessment shell on myModules.
You will then be able to upload your written assessment on the myModules site of the modules
that you are registered for. Before you finalise the upload, double check that you have selected
the correct file for upload. Remember, no marks can be allocated for incorrectly submitted
assessments.

9.5 The examination

Examination information and details on the format of the examination will be made available to
you online via the myUnisa site. Look out for information that will be shared with you by your
lecturer and e-tutors (where relevant), as well as for communication from the University.

9.5.1 Invigilation/proctoring

Since 2020, Unisa has conducted all its assessments online. Given the stringent requirements
imposed by professional bodies, as well as increased solicitation of Unisa’s students by third
parties to unlawfully assist them with the completion of assignments and examinations, the
University is obliged to assure the integrity of its assessment integrity by using various
proctoring tools: Turnitin, Moodle Proctoring, the Invigilator App and IRIS. These tools

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authenticate the student’s identity and flag suspicious behaviour to assure the credibility of their
responses during assessments. The description below is for your benefit as you may encounter
any or all of these in your registered modules:

Turnitin is plagiarism software that facilitates checks for originality in students’ submissions
against internal and external sources. Turnitin assists in identifying academic fraud, the use of
AI and ghostwriting. Students are expected to submit typed responses when using the Turnitin
software.

The Moodle Proctoring tool is facial recognition software that authenticates students’ identities
during their Quiz assessments. This tool requires access to a student’s mobile or laptop
camera. Students must ensure that their cameras are activated in their browser settings prior to
starting their assessments.

The Invigilator is a mobile application-based service that verifies the identity of an assessment
participant. The Invigilator app detects student dishonesty-by-proxy and ensures that the
assessment participant is the student registered for the module concerned. This invigilation tool
requires students to download the app from the Google Play Store (Android devices), the
Huawei AppGallery (Huawei devices) or the Apple App Store (Apple devices) on their camera-
enabled mobile devices prior to their assessment.

The IRIS Invigilation software verifies the identity of a student during assessment and provides
for both manual and automated facial verification. It can record and review a student’s
assessment session and it flags suspicious behaviour by the student for review by an academic
administrator. The IRIS software requires installation on students’ webcam-enabled laptop
devices. IRIS is not used for modules offered by the College of Law.

Students who are identified and flagged for suspicious or dishonest behaviour arising from the
invigilation and proctoring reports will be referred to the disciplinary office for formal
proceedings.

Please note:

Students must refer to their module assessment information on their myModule sites to
determine which proctoring or invigilation tool will be used for their formative and
summative assessments. The Invigilator App will be utilised during assessments for this
module.

10. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

10.1 Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of taking the words, ideas and thoughts of others and presenting them as
your own. It is a form of theft. Plagiarism includes the following forms of academic dishonesty:

• Copying and pasting from any source without acknowledging that source.
• Not including references or deliberately inserting incorrect bibliographic information.
• Paraphrasing without acknowledging the source of the information.

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10.2 Cheating
Cheating includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Completing assessments on behalf of another student, copying the work of another

student during an assessment, or allowing another student to copy your work.
• Using social media (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram) or other platforms to disseminate
assessment information.
• Submitting corrupt or irrelevant files. (This matter is addressed in the examination
guidelines.)
• Buying completed answers from so-called “tutors” or internet sites (contract cheating).
10.3 For more information about plagiarism, follow the link below:
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/myunisa/default/Study-@-Unisa/Student-values-and-rules

11. STUDENTS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES

The Advocacy and Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities (ARCSWiD) provides an
opportunity for staff to interact with first-time and returning students with disabilities. For
information about the services that ARCSWiD offers, please click on the following link: Support
for students with disabilities (unisa.ac.za) and for general enquiries, email
[email protected].

If you are a student with a disability and would like or need additional time for assessments,
you are invited to contact the university by sending an email to [email protected], so
that you can be assisted. In your email include the name of the module(s) that you are currently
registered for.

If you are a student with a disability and would like additional academic support, you are
invited to (include the name and email address of the module leader) to discuss the assistance
that you need.

12. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

12.1 Academic matters

All module content-related enquiries must first be addressed to the relevant module lecturers.
As already indicated above, all such enquiries must be made from your [email protected]
email account. Where your module lecturer(s) is unable to assist, such enquiries can be
escalated to the Chair of the Department in which your module is located. The Chair of the
Department is the one with the power to resolve issues, is authorised to make such
interventions, and has the final say in matters relating to the administration of a module. Such
escalation must be done via the departmental administrative staff.

Contact information for all the departmental administrative staff in the department is captured
below.

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 Name Email address
Miss. Banda / [email protected]
Miss.Tshabalala [email protected]

12.2 Administrative matters

The contact information for all administrative departments is included under item 4.4 of this
Tutorial Letter. Please address any administrative issues (for example, registration issues,
finance-related issues, graduation issues, auditing of a qualification, etc) with the relevant
support department and not the college.

13. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question: I have not submitted my assignment on time. How do I go about requesting an
extension?

Answer: Please send an email to [email protected] – NOT the module leader. Include the
reason for the failure to submit as well as all supporting documentation (for example, a letter
from your employer indicating that you were on official duties or a medical certificate attesting to
your incapacity, etc.). Please send your email PRIOR to the assignment’s submission date.

Question: I have not studied for the exam. Can you give me some “tips” or the “scope” about
what to concentrate on and what to leave out?

Answer: We do not give “tips” or “scope”. We inform you clearly at the beginning of each study
unit in the study guide, which study material to study and which parts of the study material you
may omit. We include activities and self-test questions. We emphasise the importance of
studying the cases.

Question: Where do I find previous question papers?

Answer: Since COVID, question papers used in prior exams are no longer published on the
module sites.

Question: Where can I find the exam timetable?

Answer: Your preliminary examination timetable is published approximately two weeks

before the official start of the exam. You will receive it via email. Please note that the dates on
your preliminary examination timetable are subject to change.

Your final examination timetable will be emailed to you once the admissions programme runs.
You must plan according to the dates published in your ‘final’ examination timetable.

14. SOURCES CONSULTED

N/A

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15. IN CLOSING
Do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail if you are experiencing problems with the content of this
tutorial letter or with any academic aspect of the module.

I wish you a fascinating and satisfying journey through the learning material and trust that you
will complete the module successfully.

Enjoy the journey.

16. ADDENDUM
N/A

ANNEXURE: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

TRANSLATED GLOSSARIES FOR FORENSIC INVESTIGATION SUBJECT GROUP.msg

©
Unisa 2025

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