140 000-Case SAPS’s Forensic Science Laboratory Backlog Threatens Integrity of Justice System

Dear Editor

Following revelations in Parliament this week, including the alarming finding of a 140 000-case backlog at the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Forensic Science Laboratory, the Democratic Alliance (DA) will be formally requesting that the Auditor-General (AG) conduct a full forensic audit into SAPS’s DNA processing and forensic laboratories, as well as the division’s contract management.

The AG must take a deep dive into the operations of the DNA labs to investigate suspected irregularities and deeply concerning issues with case management and consequence systems.

This includes looking into the serious mismanagement of DNA evidence, especially in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and rape cases, which may be the leading cause for the withdrawal of cases from the court roll.

Such failures not only violate the rights of victims but also compromise their safety as many continue to live in proximity to their alleged perpetrators.

SAPS’s failure to manage and analyse DNA evidence has resulted in delays, denial, and sabotage of justice, not just for GBV and sexual assault victims, but also for those impacted by violent crimes and murder. The backlog, which has only grown over time, continues to hamper the effectiveness of the justice system, leaving victims without answers and putting public safety at risk.

The state of the forensic laboratories is 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 corridors, and exhibits are falling off shelves in overcrowded safe rooms, making it a hazardous working environment for staff. These conditions reflect gross mismanagement and a blatant disregard for the integrity of the criminal justice process.

Despite repeated assurances to Parliament, SAPS has failed to act on recommendations to collaborate with institutions of higher learning with forensic capabilities. This inaction, compounded by the expiration of service contracts and the failure to renew vital equipment agreements, has perpetuated the backlog crisis.

The DA will hold SAPS accountable for its negligence, as previous promises to resolve this issue have been ignored, leaving many victims without the justice they deserve.

The AG’s forensic audit must be a comprehensive investigation into the entire forensic division’s operations, including contract management, lab processes, and the state of forensic equipment. This audit is necessary to identify accountability and to propose real, lasting solutions to the crisis that has long plagued South Africa’s criminal justice system.

We will continue to demand urgent action to address the backlog and resolve the systemic failures that have denied justice to too many South Africans.

Regards

Ian Cameron MP
DA Spokesperson on Police