OVM3701
ASSIGNMENT 1
DUE DATE: 28 MARCH 2026
,INTRODUCTION
The investigation of crime requires a systematic and methodical approach to uncover
the truth and gather admissible evidence. Investigators must rely on various sources of
information, including physical evidence, witness statements, and the behavioural
patterns of offenders. One of the most valuable investigative tools is the analysis of a
criminal's modus operandi (MO) the method of operation that offenders typically employ
when committing crimes (OVM3701 Study Guide, Learning Unit 2, p. 29).
My assignment looks at the case of Khomotso Tladi, who was charged for being
involved in the murder of her husband, Andrew Tladi, a senior official in the Limpopo
health department. The case is complicated because it appears to be a murder-for-hire
situation. Khomotso claimed that she only wanted the attackers to scare her husband,
not to kill him. In this discussion, we will look at how the crime was carried out, the
patterns in the offenders’ behaviour, and how cognitive interviewing can be used to get
accurate information from suspects.
Understanding how criminals carry out their crimes is very important. Grouping criminals
based on their methods can help investigators solve cases more effectively, especially
when more than one person is involved and the crime was planned in advance
(OVM3701 Study Guide, Learning Unit 2, p. 29).
, 1.1 DISCUSSION OF MODUS OPERANDI IN THE CASE STUDY
1.1.1 Definition and Explanation of "Trademarks" in the Context of
Modus Operandi
Modus operandi (MO) is a Latin term meaning "method of operation". It
pertains to the notion that human behaviour tends to repeat itself, and "all
of us repeat behaviours that are closely similar to past behaviours"
(OVM3701 Study Guide, Learning Unit 2, p. 31). In criminal investigation,
modus operandi refers to the "operational profile" of criminals – a profile
that includes not only their operational methods and techniques, but also
their strategies, disguise techniques, secret language, writing and signs
(OVM3701 Study Guide, Learning Unit 2, p. 31).
Trademarks, in the context of modus operandi, refer to the specific,
distinctive behaviours or characteristics that are unique to a particular
criminal's method of operation. These are the identifiable patterns that,
when recognised, can help investigators link multiple crimes to the same
offender or group of offenders. As explained in the study guide, "the more
unusual and peculiar the habit, the more value it has" for identification
purposes (OVM3701 Study Guide, Learning Unit 2, p. 38).
Trademarks can be categorised into three phases based on when they
occur:
ASSIGNMENT 1
DUE DATE: 28 MARCH 2026
,INTRODUCTION
The investigation of crime requires a systematic and methodical approach to uncover
the truth and gather admissible evidence. Investigators must rely on various sources of
information, including physical evidence, witness statements, and the behavioural
patterns of offenders. One of the most valuable investigative tools is the analysis of a
criminal's modus operandi (MO) the method of operation that offenders typically employ
when committing crimes (OVM3701 Study Guide, Learning Unit 2, p. 29).
My assignment looks at the case of Khomotso Tladi, who was charged for being
involved in the murder of her husband, Andrew Tladi, a senior official in the Limpopo
health department. The case is complicated because it appears to be a murder-for-hire
situation. Khomotso claimed that she only wanted the attackers to scare her husband,
not to kill him. In this discussion, we will look at how the crime was carried out, the
patterns in the offenders’ behaviour, and how cognitive interviewing can be used to get
accurate information from suspects.
Understanding how criminals carry out their crimes is very important. Grouping criminals
based on their methods can help investigators solve cases more effectively, especially
when more than one person is involved and the crime was planned in advance
(OVM3701 Study Guide, Learning Unit 2, p. 29).
, 1.1 DISCUSSION OF MODUS OPERANDI IN THE CASE STUDY
1.1.1 Definition and Explanation of "Trademarks" in the Context of
Modus Operandi
Modus operandi (MO) is a Latin term meaning "method of operation". It
pertains to the notion that human behaviour tends to repeat itself, and "all
of us repeat behaviours that are closely similar to past behaviours"
(OVM3701 Study Guide, Learning Unit 2, p. 31). In criminal investigation,
modus operandi refers to the "operational profile" of criminals – a profile
that includes not only their operational methods and techniques, but also
their strategies, disguise techniques, secret language, writing and signs
(OVM3701 Study Guide, Learning Unit 2, p. 31).
Trademarks, in the context of modus operandi, refer to the specific,
distinctive behaviours or characteristics that are unique to a particular
criminal's method of operation. These are the identifiable patterns that,
when recognised, can help investigators link multiple crimes to the same
offender or group of offenders. As explained in the study guide, "the more
unusual and peculiar the habit, the more value it has" for identification
purposes (OVM3701 Study Guide, Learning Unit 2, p. 38).
Trademarks can be categorised into three phases based on when they
occur:
