Lack of KZN forensic lab delays justice
A public meeting in uMsunduzi has heard that the lack of a forensic laboratory in KZN is delaying justice and hindering efforts to fight crime.
The issue was raised during the City’s Budget Public Participation Session held at City Hall on Saturday.
It was attended by Mayor Mzimkhulu Tebolla, councillors, ward committee members, ratepayer associations, and residents.
Kennal Masikane, who spoke on behalf of the police in the city, said that drug-related crimes were a major problem.
"When we arrest and we send to court our cases are not enrolled. The prosecution says the analysis has not been done when you arrest for [drugs] for a successful prosecution this must be proven that it is whoonga by analysis. The same person that we arrested is out back on the streets.”
READ: ‘No DNA backlog’ says deputy police chief
The building housing the province’s forensic lab in Durban was damaged by floods nearly a decade ago.
Masikane says the SAPS in KZN has been relying on the lab in Pretoria, delaying results by up to six months.
"On 6 May, the provincial commission called all officers to Mayville. This issue was raised were he also raised his concerns. We were promised that there would be a laboratory open in Durban. That has not materialised. This was going to alleviate the problems."
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