MEC Jackie Macie and Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi.
Victims of crime in Mpumalanga may soon get the answers they have long been waiting for.
The provincial Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison has announced plans to fast-track the establishment of its own DNA laboratory, a move aimed at reducing long delays in forensic investigations that have left families waiting years for closure.
The announcement was made by MEC Jackie Macie during a media briefing at the SAPS provincial headquarters in Mbombela recently.
This following the presentation of the province’s third-quarter crime statistics.
Responding to concerns about the delays in DNA results, Macie said the government has earmarked Mpumalanga to establish its own laboratory, which will help clear forensic backlogs and speed up investigations, particularly in sexual offence cases. Currently, exhibits must be transported to Pretoria or Cape Town, adding weeks, sometimes months to investigations.
“The Minister of Police, currently on special leave, has confirmed that Mpumalanga would have its own DNA laboratory to alleviate backlogs. He added that the programme would continue under the Acting Minister, ensuring that progress is not stalled” Macie said.
The laboratory is planned for Emalahleni, where it will serve as a critical tool for police to investigate cases more efficiently and provide closure to families waiting for justice.
Acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, acknowledged the challenges posed by the lack of a local facility.
“We accept that there are delays when it comes to obtaining DNA results in the province. Sometimes the courts assist in fast-tracking these results, but this is not always the case. Having our own laboratory will make a huge difference and reduce the wait for victims who have been waiting far too long,” he said.
