The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape is deeply concerned that the DNA backlog at the National Forensic Science Laboratory (NFSL) is having a detrimental impact on bringing perpetrators of sexual offences to book.
I have learnt with dismay of a case in Kuruman whereby a young woman who was raped, still does not even have the assurance of a criminal case number. While a DNA sample was taken over three months ago, the police have reported the case as an inquest, pending the return of the DNA analysis.
Where is the peace of mind in that?
A similar case in Pampierstad was also recently reported on, whereby an elderly mother and grandmother is living in fear while her alleged rapist, who resides near to her, has not yet been arrested due to a lack of evidence. This is the direct result of the prolonged wait for the outstanding DNA samples.
It was recently revealed in parliament that the DNA case exhibit backlog has exploded from 100 000 in 2019 to more than 172 000 samples currently, due to a combination of factors. This includes dysfunctional contract management and that the information system used by the NFSL has reportedly been offline.
This is unacceptable.
The growing backlog of the processing of DNA samples, within a reasonable period of time, is denying justice to thousands of South Africans, particularly for victims of gender-based violence. In effect, rapists and murderers are being released back into society to further perpetuate the cycle of violence.
In respect of the Kuruman case, the DA will submit a letter to Acting Police Commissioner, Major-General Henriette de Waal, to query the opening of an inquest, as opposed to a criminal charge. We also want her commitment to do all that she can from the province, to make sure that the outstanding DNA analysis is collected as soon as is physically possible. The DA will closely monitor this case to assist in combatting GBV and putting attackers behind bars.
We cannot claim to be a country waging war on GBV when the South African Police Service (SAPS), through its own failures, perpetuates the trauma experienced by victims of crimes and allows suspected rapists to freely prowl the streets of this province.