Cape Town – The DNA backlog has seen a reduction from 89 158 to 25 290 between October 2021 and August.
Last year the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) reported that the DNA backlog was due to the shortage of the chemicals required to do DNA analysis.
Today Western Cape MEC of Police Oversight and Community Safety Reagen Allen said a reduction in the past 10 months was recorded and the Forensic Science Laboratory, SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory worked around the clock on 63 868 samples.
“Since October 1, 2021, when the backlog stood at 89 158, it has been reduced to 25 290 as at August 23, 2022,” said Allen.
This means over the past 10 months, the FSL has worked through 63 868 samples.”
Allen added this reduction meant that cases, especially one of sexual offences could move on the court roll and that perpetrators could face the long hand of the law.
“This is an important development, as these samples are very vital in cases of sexual assault, murders and various other matters.
“The more the lab is able to address their backlog, the quicker perpetrators who are standing trial can be held accountable for their crimes.
“This also ensures that there isn’t secondary trauma for the victims, who might be waiting a very long time for their matter to be finalised.
“The continued backlog remains deeply concerning and is yet another reason why SAPS should be devolved to a capable government such as ours.
“Under our watch, the lab would at all times function optimally, and matters be dealt with speedily.”
Allen said their analysis and surveying of courthouses and cases helped to establish how many cases were removed off the court roll due to an incomplete investigation.
“Our recent Court Watching Briefs report for the period April 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022 indicated that of the 198 cases that were struck off the court roll due to investigations being incomplete and various other reasons, 18.2% (36) were GBV matters,” he added.
“There are many GBV matters, such as rape, sexual assault, attempted murder and other contact crimes that are dependent on the results from the lab.
“Previously there were deep concerns with the state of the lab, as there was a lack of consumables, while instruments were not serviced and maintained, due to contracts not being in place.
“I now also note that the lab is in a better position to address the rest of the backlog, as since September 2021, it has a service and maintenance contract in place for the service and maintenance, as well as the procurement of consumables.”
He further called on scientists at the laboratory to assist in the reduction: “I urge the scientists at this lab to eradicate the current backlog before the end of this year.
“I am looking forward to returning to the lab in due course, to ascertain the progress that is being made.”
Eric Ntabazalila of the NPA previously told Weekend Argus that the backlog was due to chemicals need to perform the tests and further administrative issues.
“The pressing DNA backlog status due to outstanding reports from SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), resulted in many court cases being either postponed or even withdrawn, which is (as we were informed by SAPS) due to the shortage of reagents/chemicals required in the DNA analysis process,” he had stated.
“This position unfortunately triggered in some courts extensive backlogs in outstanding cases where the DNA is urgently required which had a detrimental impact on the court rolls.
“This also impeded the NPA in its prosecutorial mandate, specifically in relation to sexual offences and femicide matters.
The sexual offences specimens saw a reduction from 37 647 in July 2021 to September 2021 with 27 146 samples, which saw a 28% decrease.