Question NW2103 to the Minister of Police

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19 October 2020 - NW2103

Profile picture: Whitfield, Mr AG

Whitfield, Mr AG to ask the Minister of Police

What are the reasons for the decline in performance by the National Forensic Science Laboratories during the third quarter with respect to percentage of (a) integrated Ballistics Identification Systems intelligence case exhibits and (b) biology Deoxyriboncleic Acid intelligence case exhibits that have been finalised? NW2663E

Reply:

(a) The decline in performance, during the third quarter of 2019/2020, with regard to the percentage of integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS) intelligence case exhibits, was due to the lack of maintenance contract, for the IBIS. The maintenance contract has now been finalised, which resulted in an increase in performance

(b) The decline in performance, during the third quarter of 2019/2020, with regard to the percentage of biology Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) intelligence case exhibits, was due to laboratory instruments not being serviced, as well as a shortage of consumables, which is necessary for DNA analysis to be carried out. This was due to limited funds. The operational budget was increased, which enabled the servicing of laboratory instruments and the purchase of consumables, which in turn resulted in improved performance.

Reply to question 2103 recommended

GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SREVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 202-10-09

Reply to question 2103 approved

MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 18/10/2020