The murder trial of Danie, Breggie and Elzabie Brand, who were brutally killed during an attack on their Hartswater plot a year ago, was today postponed yet again because the DNA results remain outstanding. This is despite an indication received in July, that the National Forensic Science Laboratory (NFSL) was apparently busy processing the DNA exhibits.
The ongoing postponements are very worrying.
A month ago, the DA’s Shadow Minister of Police, Andrew Whitfield, revealed that the country’s DNA backlog is believed to exceed 300 000 cases, up from 200 000 cases. This in effect translates into a backlog of 1,2 million samples (at 4 samples per case). On top of this, the most recent crime stats for the Northern Cape showed an increase in murder and sexual offences in the province. If a case from a year ago is struggling to proceed in court due to the DNA backlog, how many other cases will also not be put on the backburner, giving criminals an opportunity to escape justice?
The DA appreciates the willingness of acting provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Joey Kers, to place additional pressure on the laboratory to get the results. However, we realise that his ability to do anything about the forensic backlogs is limited. In fact, it is a disconcerting reality that the ability of the police to combat crime through the process of bringing criminals to book, is dwindling day by day.
The DA has submitted parliamentary questions to the MEC of Safety, Ms Nontobeko Vilakazi, to better get to grips with the bigger picture of how forensic backlogs, which include DNA as well as ballistic backlogs, are affecting court proceedings and prosecutions in the Northern Cape.
The DA will be back in court on 2 November, to continue monitoring the case, which has now been referred to the Hartswater Regional Court. We also look forward to being joined by Petrus Phakamile Sitho, an activist against farm murders, who was in court today and also committed to attending the next appearance.
Farm murders affect all of us and we have to stand up against this brutal crime, and against government inefficiencies that are hindering justice, together.