B Marekwa

The ANC welcomes the new DNA laboratory officially opened by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday, 31 August 2023 at the Eben Donges Building in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. This new laboratory is the expansion of the police Forensic Science Biology lab and 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.

The improved forensic capabilities should expedite investigations and help our police build strong cases with solid evidence to enable the successful conviction of perpetrators. People who commit crimes against women and children have no place in our society. 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.