Bheki Cele Reveals Backlog of over 172k Unprocessed DNA Evidence Samples
- Police Minister Bheki Cele revealed that there is a nationwide backlog of over 172 000 DNA evidence cases
- Cele said he heard the news for the first time when meeting with Western Cape police management recently
- The news came as a shock to Cele as the National Forensic Science Laboratory had received a R250 million increase in its budget
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Police Minister Bheki Cele says he has lost sleep over the backlog in DNA testing by the National Forensic Science Laboratory (NSFL). Cele revealed that more money had been allocated for this but only about 30% of it has been used.
An extra R250 million was allocated to increase the budget but a backlog of 172 787 DNA evidence still remains. 150 new entry-level forensic analysts have now been enlisted by the SAPS to deal with the nationwide backlog for the 2021/22 financial year.
The Police Minister revealed that news while speaking to the Portfolio Committee in Parliament on Wednesday.
Source: Getty Images
The Citizen reported that Cele said the situation is unacceptable, adding that it is an issue of not serving justice to victims of gender-based violence and murder. Cele said they are paying attention to the issue.
A report by News24 revealed that Cele said he found the news out while visiting the Western Cape police management after two officers were killed. He said it was the first time he heard that there were no chemicals to deal with DNA evidence in SA police labs.
Briefly.co.za previously reported on Cele after he told police officers to 'use deadly force' to defend themselves. The Police Ministry has released a statement condemning the violence against police officers and urging cops to use 'deadly force' to defend themselves.
The statement comes after six officers were killed in a space of 10 days in the country. Police Minister Bheki Cele was delivering a keynote address at Durban officer Constable Ndlovu's send-off when he said it was a dark time for police.
Cele also mentioned that communities have a role to play in flushing criminals out. The minister stated that the criminals committing heinous acts come from the communities they serve. Cele also spoke about civilian deaths, touching on the murders in Mitchell's Plain.
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Source: Briefly News
