Forensic science lab buys DNA processing equipment to aid backlog
THE police are making inroads in ensuring that the DNA backlog at the Plattekloof Forensic Science Laboratory is cleared.
A parliamentary written response by the former acting Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais to a question by then standing committee chairperson Reagen Allen revealed that the Western Cape FSL had bought DNA processing equipment.
The two Genetic Analysers instruments for the CI lane System (value of R4.5 million) were expected to be delivered after April 20. However, questions to the police on whether the equipment was delivered had remained unanswered.
In response to Allen’s questions regarding the laboratory’s commitments to improve the maintenance of its equipment, the police indicated that three maintenance contracts were in place to meet the maintenance requirements.
The police indicated that the contract for the liquid handler was awarded and signed in September last year, while the contract for the Reference Index (RI) Lane System instruments (Genetic Analysers and w9700’s) was awarded and signed in November. The contract for the Crime Index (CI) Lane System instruments (Genetic Analysers, 9700s, 7500s and Automate express instruments) was awarded in May last year. All the contracts are valid for three years.
By September last year, the backlog exceeded 240 000 cases and in the same period over 36 647 sexual offence cases were reported to be outstanding in the province due to the backlog of processing DNA specimens at SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).
Action Society spokesperson Rentia Mynhardt said the organisation was not aware that the problem concerning the DNA backlog had been resolved. She said there was a promise that the backlog would be cleared by early next year.
“No one knows what the actual progress is that has been made on this. Action Society is concerned that the actual figures are not given through at all – SAPS keeps on referring only to the original 300 000 cases.
“This does not include new cases every single day. Another concern is that no PPPs (public-private partnerships) have been announced yet, although Police Minister Bheki Cele has promised that partnerships with certain universities would be put in place,” she said.
Ilitha Labantu spokesperson Siyabulela Monakali said although the organisation welcomed the decisive action taken to buy the DNA processing equipment, the backlog remained a concern.
“We appeal to the police minister to ensure that the process is properly monitored to safeguard against any mismanagement of this precise equipment and also appeal to him to ensure the fast-tracking of the processing of DNA,” he said.
Newly appointed MEC for Community Safety Reagen Allen said: “Between September and December 2021 we saw a significant drop in the backlog.
“We’re awaiting the latest statistics from the SAPS, as this will indicate if progress is being made in addressing this issue. We will continue to engage the SAPS in our oversight role.”
We appeal to the police minister to ensure that the process is properly monitored SIYABULELA MONAKALI
Ilitha Labantu spokesperson