Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Reagan Allen, says there’s been some progress in reducing the DNA sample backlog.

Last year, the DA revealed that the national police’s DNA backlog exceeded 300 000 cases.

Thirty-seven thousand of those were here in the Western Cape.

In March, the police minister announced his department’s plans to implement a government IT system, which would be able to track and trace seven- to eight- thousand DNA samples a week.

And Allen says – the difference is noticeable.

“Since becoming chairperson, and highlighting the DNA matter and the issue of the DNA backlog – and visiting the forensic science lab – we have actually seen a reduction, quarter per quarter.”

The MEC is planning another visit to the forensic science lab this week.

HeartFM News