Question NW918 to the Minister of Police
09 October 2019 - NW918
Phillips, Ms C to ask the Minister of Police
How long do the DNA tests from rape kits take before the results are made available to the investigating officer?
Reply:
For a routine case, with one suspect reference sample and one Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit from the victim, it will take 35 calendar days to complete.
For a non-routine case, with multiple suspect reference samples, one Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit and additional exhibits (clothing/bedding) from the victim, it will take 113 calendar days to complete.
On average and with the required resources consistently available, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) requires 74 calendar days, taking the above scenarios into consideration.