The South African Police Service’s forensic science laboratory (FSL) has only half its ideal staff complement, according to Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula.
In a written reply to a parliamentary question from Mike Waters (DA), he said 52% of staff positions, or 901 of an ideal 1726, were filled at the FSL.
The figure was even lower for forensic scientists, excluding explosives experts, with only 336 (47%) of an ideal 779 positions filled, he said.
In his reaction, Waters said South Africa’s shocking crime statistics were well known, but the shortage of forensic staff was even more disturbing.
”Courts wait for months for DNA evidence in rape cases. Too often these cases are repeatedly postponed until the suspects are allowed to walk free.
”The government’s commitment to fighting child abuse is just another empty promise,” he said.
In his reply, Nqakula said even if the FSL were to receive no more cases, it would take an average 58 days to process all those already received.
The backlog for ballistics was 55 days, chemistry 42 days, biology 71 days, and cases requiring scientific analysis could only be completed in 104 days, he said.
Waters said the government ”must put its money where its mouth is”.
”It must fill the vacant posts that will lead to more rapists being put behind bars,” he said. – Sapa