DNA backlog threatens murder trial

A WARRENTON resident accused of killing his partner may walk free if crucial DNA evidence, which has gone missing, cannot be retrieved from the forensic laboratory.

- SANDI KWON HOO

There is a staggering backlog of over 140,000 cases at the national SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory.

The defence this week argued that charges against Butiki Simon Maboitshege should be struck off the roll due to outstanding DNA results.

Maboitshege appeared in the Northern Cape High Court on April 15, where he is facing charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice after he allegedly murdered his partner during a domestic dispute in Warrenton on February 27, 2024.

State advocate Elmari Kruger explained that a DNA exhibit was lost at the forensic laboratory, while a reference sample was not found in the docket.

She added that the laboratory indicated that disciplinary action would be taken against the person responsible for the loss of evidence.

Kruger added that she was obtaining chain statements to ensure that the evidence collected had not been tampered with.

The legal representative for Maboitshege, Heinrich Steynberg, argued that the matter should be struck off the roll amid delays since the trial began on January 27.