SAPS admits to shortage of DNA and rape kits

This after it emerged in Parliament that there is a shortage of rape kits and DNA collection kits in Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences units across South Africa.

Currently the police only has a two months' supply of kits nationally.

Police spokesperson Vishnu Naidoo says procurement issues are to blame for the shortage.

"The situation is such that the SAPS had entered into a tender process to procure more evidence collection kits.

"Two of the suppliers that took part in the bid process were disqualified because they could not meet the specifications as outlined by the department.

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"During this process, the SAPS however discovered that the third supplier that did meet the required specifications is currently under criminal investigation," he says. 

Naidoo believes there is enough time to stock up before the kits run dry. 

"We have identified some companies and we are currently assessing their suitability to provide the required evidence collection kits."

Police are redistributing evidence collection kits to clusters and stations experiencing shortages.