A NEW DNA laboratory in the Eastern Cape is set to speed up investigations into gender-based violence and femicide.
Rapists and other dangerous criminals have been freely roaming the streets of Mzansi for years due to a backlog in the police forensic sciences lab.
These backlogs have resulted in delays in court cases, and in some instances, accused individuals have been released due to the backlog in DNA analysis from crime scenes.
On Thursday, 31 August, President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened the expansion of the police Forensic Science Biology lab located at the Eben Donges Building in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
"I commend the police for their hard work and commitment to addressing backlogs in analysing DNA retrieved from crime scenes. With this new and enhanced capacity in the Eastern Cape Forensic Science Laboratory, we can expect faster turnaround times, especially with respect to the investigation of gender-based violence and femicide," said Ramaphosa.
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"The improved forensic capabilities should expedite investigations and help our police build strong cases with solid evidence to enable the successful conviction of perpetrators."
The president said people who commit crimes against women and children have no place in our society.
"We depend on this and other forensic science laboratories across the country to make sure that these criminals are put in prison and remain there. It is impressive that the construction of this upgraded facility, which started during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, was completed six months ahead of the projected completion time and below budget," he said.
Ramaphosa said it is worth mentioning that a woman, Lieutenant-General Khosi Senthumule, is driving this project called the Divisional Commissioner for Detective and Forensic Services.
Police Minister Bheki Cele said: "The lab is equipped with advanced equipment for DNA analysis, which will improve turnaround times and address the backlog of DNA retrieved from crime scenes."
