FORENSIC FAILURE: Only 1.5% of SAPS DNA samples are processed within target time
The SA Police Service spent 100% of its budget in the last financial year, but it means little if detectives remain overloaded, DNA evidence is delayed, and communities continue to face violent crime.
South Africa's forensic DNA analysis system is facing significant challenges, with only 1.5% of DNA samples processed within the statutory 30-day deadline in the 2025/26 financial year. The SA Police Service (SAPS) processed 1,500 out of nearly 25,000 DNA exhibits, far below the set target. This issue was brought to light by the National Forensic Oversight and Ethics Board (DNA Board) during a presentation to Parliament.
SAPS data, however, indicated a more optimistic scenario, stating that it used a 90-day processing target, which they claimed conflicted with the legal 30-day deadline. Police committee chair Ian Cameron criticized the SAPS' arbitrary choice of a 90-day period, arguing it distorted the backlog's severity and misleading oversight.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
