Stakeholders demand action to eradicate massive DNA backlog

WITH a “massive” backlog of 140 000 DNA cases at the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory, stakeholders are calling for immediate action, including the use of private laboratories.

- NADIA KHAN

Stakeholders further warned that if not dealt with swiftly, there could be serious consequences for victims and families in pursuit of justice. The integrity of the justice system could also be comprised, they added.

The backlog was revealed by Ian Cameron, the DA’s spokesperson on police, during a recent Parliament meeting.

Cameron called on the auditor-general (AG) to conduct a full forensic audit into the SAPS’s DNA processing and forensic laboratories, and the contract manage- ment.

He said this included looking into the serious mismanagement of DNA evidence, especially in gender-based violence (GBV) and rape cases, which could be the leading cause for the withdrawal of cases from the court roll.

Cameron said the SAPS’s failure to manage and analyse DNA evidence had resulted in delays, denial and sabotage of justice, not only for GBV and sex- ual assault victims, but also for those impacted by violent crimes and murder.

“The backlog, which has only grown over time, continues to hamper the effec- tiveness of the justice system, leaving vic- tims without answers and putting public safety at risk.”

He described the state of the forensic laboratory as alarming.

“Some forensic instruments and machines have been out of order since 2020 due to expired service contracts, and critical software updates have been neglected. Inadequate space to store case files has led to files being stored in corri- dors, and exhibits are falling off shelves in overcrowded safe rooms, making it a hazardous working environment for staff. These conditions reflect gross misman- agement and a blatant disregard for the integrity of the criminal justice process.”

He said despite repeated assurances to Parliament, the SAPS had failed to act on recommendations to collaborate with institutions of higher learning with forensic capabilities.