Ekurhuleni:The Acting Minister of Police has not provided confirmation regarding the completion of DNA analysis related to 12 murder cases in Ekurhuleni, as revealed in a response to a parliamentary question. The lack of detailed information leaves Parliament without the means to determine the current status of the forensic analysis, what remains to be completed, and the anticipated timeline for completion.
According to Democratic Alliance, the Minister's reply indicates that the total number of exhibits awaiting analysis is "not readily available" from the Forensic Science Laboratory. The response lacks specific details such as receipt dates, waiting periods, and expected completion dates. Instead, the Minister has stated that accurate reporting will be available once the entire analysis is completed, and promised accountability at an "opportune interval."
This answer has been criticized as inadequate for addressing forensic work in murder investigations. The term "opportune interval" does not provide Parliament with a measurable deadline or assurance about when a detailed account will be provided. Despite citing the complexity of DNA analysis and the need to protect sensitive evidence, the reply does not justify why a general progress report or confidential briefing cannot be offered.
The parliamentary question initially sought specific information on the number of outstanding exhibits, their receipt dates, the duration of their pending status, reasons for any delays, and expected completion dates. These details are deemed necessary to evaluate the urgency and progress of the forensic work.
The Minister's response leaves a fundamental question open whether the requested information is available but withheld, or if the South African Police Service (SAPS) lacks the ability to provide a coherent report on the outstanding work. Clarity on this issue is being demanded.
A call has been made for a dated progress report that outlines the completed analysis, the exhibits still pending, their current processing stage, and reasons for delays, along with expected completion dates and identification of the responsible senior official. In cases where details cannot be publicly disclosed, the Acting Minister is urged to explain the concerns and arrange a confidential briefing with a fixed reporting date.
The response emphasizes that the affected families deserve transparency on the progress of the investigations, and Parliament must scrutinize the forensic work to enable timely corrective actions. Accountability cannot be postponed until the entirety of the analysis is concluded.