Action Society has submitted a complaint with the Office of the Public Protector to request the following matters be investigated urgently:
- the failure to deal with the backlog of DNA evidence in a sufficiently expeditious manner; and
- the failure to effectively manage and maintain the PCEM system.
The parties responsible which must be investigated are the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele; the DNA Oversight Board; the South African Police Service (SAPS); the State Information Technology Agency SOC Ltd (Sita); and President Cyril Ramaphosa. These parties have, through their inaction, or alternatively their unduly delayed and insufficient action, allowed this status quo to persist much longer than is acceptable.
SUCCESS
Action Society is pleased to confirm that the Public Protector has committed to investigate whether there is failure by the SAPS to address the administrative backlog of DNA tests; and if such conduct by the SAPS, Minister of Police and the DNA Oversight Board amounts to maladministration. In addition, the Public Protector stated it will ensure that these bodies implement all measures necessary to enable the SAPS to reduce and/or eradicate the backlog of DNA analysis so that the judicial system be efficient in combating rape and GBV cases.
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