DNA backlog ‘standing at zero’ - Cele
Police Minister Bheki Cele says there has been significant progress in clearing the country’s DNA backlog.
Cele says the backlog has been cleared down to zero from 251,000 in the 2021/2022 financial year.
The backlog has made it impossible for the state to finalise many criminal cases involving murder and rape.
Speaking at the release of the third quarter crime stats on Friday, Cele said police are now able to prioritise cases of gender-based violence.
"There has been significant progress in the finalisation rate of DNA cases and the eradication of the historic DNA backlog which is currently standing at zero from 251,000 in the 2021/2022 financial year.
“Further to this, the expansion of the DNA lab in Gqerberha, which was opened by the president in August 2023, has contributed immensely to the processing of more DNA samples in the country.
“All these efforts have contributed positively to the SAPS fight against gender-based violence and femicide cases.
“For example, the NPA and SAPS project has led to more than 40,000 DNA forensic reports being finalised to ensure that cases of GBVF are prioritised," said Cele.
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