Community Safety
With reference to the reply to question 14 of 17 September 2021:
(1) Regarding the response to 14(c), (a) what are the specific details of each of the “several interventions” implemented to address the root causes underlying the DNA backlog at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and (b) how does each intervention contribute to ensuring the backlog does not occur again;
(2) regarding the response to 14(e), for how long were the RI Lane instruments not operating at full capacity;
(3) whether the contract for the maintenance of the RI Lane instruments is still pending; if so, (a) what is the latest update and (b) what is the reason the delay;
(4) what is the daily difference in cases processed when the RI Lane instruments are fully operational as opposed to when these cases are processed manually?
The reply of the South African Police Service (SAPS):
3.(1) (a) The South African Police Service (SAPS) Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), in the Western Cape, did not have any contract in place for consumables or the repair/maintenance of instruments, from 2019 to 2021. This was the main contributing factor for the accumulation of the current backlog. There are currently a number of contracts available for consumables and repair/maintenance for the Crime and Index Reference Lanes. An early warning system has been put in place, for the daily monitoring of stock levels and maintenance interventions and this will assist in the initiating of new bids before the current ones expire.
(b) The contribution of the interventions, initiated by the SAPS Management assisted in securing contracts for consumables and the service/maintenance of instruments. As a result of the early warning monitoring system, which was implemented, the target of 90% stock levels will ensure that performance targets are achieved. The purpose of all the interventions is to maintain an uninterrupted process flow for Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Analysis.
(2) The instruments were not fully operational, since 2019, due to the non-availability of the contract to maintain and service the Reference Index Lane.
(3) Yes.
(a) The contract is still in progress, as per tender processes.
Pending Contracts | |
Description | Status |
Maintenance, repair, service of the RI System for Biology: Pretoria and Western Cape | Bid 19/1/9/1/70 TD (21): Sole Supplier – Evaluation is scheduled to take place, on 2021-11-15.
Bid 19/1/9/1/69 TD (21): Sole Supplier – Evaluation is scheduled to take place, on 2021-11-15.
Bid 19/1/9/1/41 TR (21): Computer-related equipment – The bid closed, on 2021-11-12 and the evaluation of the bid will be prioritised. |
(b) There was no delay in the tender process, for the Reference Index (RI) Lane. The tender processes were followed, in terms of the National Treasury and Supply Chain Management prescripts. The awarding of the tender is in the final process. Currently the maintenance and repair of the Reference Index Lane is covered on a request for quotation (RFQ).
(4) The daily production for RI Lane, when all instruments are operational, is 2 160 entries of buccal samples, per day and manual system is approximately 280 entries, per day.
