Huge backlog in DNA testing

A backlog of more than 117 000 DNA samples at the National Forensic Science Laboratories (NFSL) is causing victims of crime and their families to suffer while they are waiting for answers as cases cannot be resolved.

Perpetrators of violent crimes also roamed free, said DA Shadow Minister of Police Andrew Whitfield in a media statement this week.

“The DA has written to National Police Commissioner General Kehla Sitole to request that he urgently investigate partnerships with private laboratories to tackle the backlog, which now stands at 117 736,” said Whitfield.

Testing came to a halt because of “mismanaging” of supply chain processes that led to a disruption in the awarding of contracts, he said.

Shortages in consumables and reagent

- a substance used in chemical analysis or other reactions - have been a major problem, although they are being addressed now. The maintenance contract for sensitive robotics and other specialised equipment at the Western Cape laboratory has been allowed to lapse.

“These machines cannot be used until they are calibrated to the correct standard.”

In response to a query regarding backlogs in testing results for cases in the Southern Cape, regional police spokesperson Captain Malcolm Pojie referred the newspaper to the national police department’s communications division.

At the time of going to print, no response had been received. Whitfield said there were concerns as to whether a turnaround plan the police had come up with to tackle the backlog, was achievable.

There are capacity challenges, Covid workplace restrictions and many contracts are not yet in place. “Every day more and more DNA case exhibits arrive at our labs and every day the backlog becomes even more insurmountable.”

Testing came to a halt because of “mismanaging” of supply chain processes.