DNA backlog proves SAPS is incompetent
The continuous failure of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) forensic science laboratory to address the backlog in the processing of DNA evidence shows that mismanagement, incompetence and blatant disregard for justice have become the norm in South Africa’s policing structures. How many victims of rape and violent crime should be denied justice while criminals currently walk free, asks Cape Forum.
The DNA backlog – which now exceeds 140 000 cases – was revealed this week during a meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Police. This situation is nothing short of a national disgrace for South Africa. It is a further humiliation of the country’s already tarnished international image and local trust in government.
An investigation must be conducted into the root cause of this backlog to finally eradicate the problem. Cape Forum thus supports Ian Cameron, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, in his request to the office of the Auditor-General to conduct a full forensic audit of the SAPS’ DNA processing and forensic science laboratories, as well as to ensure that contract management is applied correctly.
“How many more empty promises do we have to endure before those in charge face real consequences for their failure? The fact that critical forensic equipment remains unused due to expired service contracts is a shocking indictment of the SAPS’ inability to perform even the most basic administrative tasks. The accusation of treason has been thrown around a lot recently, but when one looks at the poor management at the SAPS forensic science laboratory, one might ask whether the problem in South Africa does not lie with the government itself. With the ANC still retaining control of the SAPS within the Government of National Unity, it is therefore no surprise that the recent February 2025 poll by the Social Research Foundation shows that support for the ANC has fallen to roughly 32%,” says Bernard Pieters, Cape Forum’s Head of Community Activation.
“This crisis is not just about bureaucracy – it is about lives, real people and not just numbers on a spreadsheet. Every delayed DNA result represents a victim waiting for justice that may never come. Parliament and oversight bodies must act decisively and those responsible must be held accountable. South Africans deserve a justice system that works for everyone; not one that protects criminals,” concludes Pieters.
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