Community Safety
With reference to the processing of DNA specimens at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) of the South African Police Service (SAPS):
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?
(a) The total backlog at the FSL: Biology Section, Western Cape, is currently 54 082 cases. This backlog includes cases from the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape and the Northern Cape, as well as buccal samples, from KwaZulu- atal. At the end of quarter two, on 31 September 2021, the backlog was 89 158, which means there is a down management of the backlog, of 61%.
(b) A total of 19 087 cases are reflected as a backlog for sexual offences.
(c) If operations continue, without any interruption or unforeseen circumstances, it is expected that the FSL: Western Cape will eradicate the backlog of 19 087 sexual offences case within seven months
