Question NW118 to the Minister of Police
04 March 2021 - NW118
Terblanche, Mr OS to ask the Minister of Police
Whether the SA Police Service’s forensic science laboratories are experiencing any shortages in the consumables needed to process DNA samples within 30 days; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The South African Police Service (SAPS), Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) experienced a shortage of consumables, in 2019/2020, due to financial constraints. However, in July 2020, an additional R250 million, was allocated to the Division Forensic Services. Funding certificates have since been signed and submitted to the Division: Supply Chain Management (SCM), to activate the procurement process for consumables, which are needed to process deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic and the subsequent lockdown Regulations, in terms of the Disaster Management Act, had a negative effect on the procuremant of consumables, due to the restrictions on economic activities. The FSL is serviced by suppliers, who acquire certain consumables from abroad. As a prerequisite, potential responsive bidders/suppliers are expected to do a site visit and consumables must be validated and tested by FSL technicians, to ascertain the compatibility and efficiency of proposed consumables. This process was prohibited during certain stages of the lockdown.
Find here: The following contracts were awarded, in 2020: