Community Safety
With reference to the processing of DNA specimens at the South African Police Service (SAPS) Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL):
(a) What is the total number of backlogged cases as a result of delayed DNA processing at the SAPS FSL in the province, (b) how many of these cases are related to sexual offences and (c) what is the timeline for the eradication of the case backlog related to sexual offences?
The reply of the South African Police Service (SAPS):
4. (a) As at 15 November 2021, the total number of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) backlog cases, as a result of the delayed DNA processing, at the South African Police Service (SAPS) Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), in the Western Cape, is reflected in the table below:
Category | Biology Western Cape |
Routine > 35 days | 3 010 |
DNA Intelligence > 90 days | 14 029 |
Non routine > 113 days | 28 |
Reference Index Intelligence > 90 days | 45 679 |
Total | 62 746 |
(b) As at 15 November 2021, the number of the backlog cases, related to sexual offences, was 25 082.
Gender-Based Violence backlog, as at 15 November 2021 | |
DNA analysis Western Cape | 8 377 |
Reference Index Western Cape sample submission | 16 705 |
Total | 25 082 |
(c) The timeline for the eradication of the DNA backlog, related to sexual offences, is 18 months.
