South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has opened the newly expanded SAPS DNA analysis Laboratory in Gqeberha, which is a significant milestone in the country’s pursuit of timely and efficient justice for victims of crime, particularly those affected by gender-based violence and femicide.
The Gqeberha DNA Lab Expansion
Since its upgrade in February, the Gqeberha DNA Lab has made remarkable strides, processing over 6,000 DNA samples. The expansion aimed to increase the lab’s scientific scope by incorporating DNA analyses, enabling it to tackle an average of 800 cases per month. As a result, the burden on other laboratories is significantly reduced.
President Ramaphosa’s Praise
President Ramaphosa praised the lab’s expansion as a decisive move towards resolving cases in a timely manner. He emphasized its importance in enhancing service delivery and bringing services closer to the people of the province. The newly expanded facility promises quicker turnaround times, particularly for investigations related to gender-based violence and femicide.
Forensic Services of SAPS
The South African Police Service (SAPS) operates four laboratories across the country, responsible for processing crime exhibits, or evidence collected from crime scenes. The first Forensic Services unit, located in Silverton, Pretoria, catered to all 1,156 police stations nationwide.
Gqeberha Lab’s Forensic Services
The Gqeberha lab, operational since 1996, initially provided all disciplines except for the Biology section, which focused solely on evidence recovery analysis. With the recent expansion, Gqeberha now boasts an exhaustive suite of forensic services.
The Inauguration Event
Constructed under the Covid-19 lockdown in 2021, the new facility was completed six months ahead of schedule and below budget, showcasing the successful implementation of best practices in project management. The inauguration event also included a women in law enforcement parade to honor and celebrate women from various government departments within the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security Cluster (JCPS).
Optimism for the Future
The Gqeberha DNA Lab’s expansion elicits optimism for the future of South Africa’s law enforcement capabilities, especially in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide. Its timely completion and increased capacity to process cases signal a renewed commitment to ensuring justice for victims and fostering a safer society for all citizens.
