AP
Police Minister Bheki Cele has admitted that the backlog in DNA tests has severely impacted investigations into gender-based violence (GBV), rape and other violent crimes.
Problems at the National Forensic Science Laboratories (NFSL) have delayed the testing of more than 200 000 criminal case exhibits, delaying justice for thousands of victims.
Speaking at the announcement of the national crime statistics on Friday, Cele said a recovery plan was in place to clear the DNA backlog.
“We are working around the clock to clear the backlog and GBV cases are being prioritised,” he said.
“The delays have been severe we admit, but 42% of dockets for crimes committed against women and children, that had been outstanding for over a year, have now been finalised.”
There are calls for Bheki Cele’s head this week, after the Police Minister was held directly responsible for a disastrous DNA backlog. The processing delay in collections has allegedly increased by 3 000% since 2018, making it more difficult for police to tie dangerous criminals to reprehensible acts. Needless to say, the critics are sharpening their knives…
What is the DNA backlog?
SA’s DNA backlog in case exhibits at the National Forensic Science Laboratories (NFSL) now stands at more than 200 000. Both Bheki Cele and National Police Commissioner General Khehla Sitole have been asked to investigate partnerships with private laboratories in order to resolve this issue. Alas, there’s been little movement on this front.
DA to lead debate on DNA crisis in Parliament tomorrow
Search Polity
Note: Search is limited to the most recent 250 articles. To access earlier articles, click Advanced Search and set an earlier date range.
To search for a term containing the & symbol, click Advanced Search and use the search headings and/or in first paragraph options.
With.
Clear Search
Sponsored by
Sponsored by
Tomorrow the DA s urgent Debate of National Importance on the ongoing DNA backlog crisis at the South African Police Service (SAPS) will be held in Parliament.
We urge all citizens to follow the debate at 14:00 tomorrow.
DNA testing resumes as SAPS launches new evidence management system, GBV cases to be prioritised news24.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from news24.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
New DNA admin system launched to ease mountainous backlog thesouthafrican.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thesouthafrican.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.