Premium content from before 2023 is now available for everyone!
  1. Committees
  2. National Assembly
  3. Police
  4. Tabled Reports

ATC250517: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Police on its Oversight visit to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Amanzimtoti (Kwazulu-Natal Province), the Forensic Science Laboratory in Gqeberha North end (Eastern Cape) and the New Brighton Police Station, Gqeberha, on 29 and 31 March 2023, Dated 17 May 2023.

Police

Report of the Portfolio Committee on Police on its Oversight visit to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Amanzimtoti (Kwazulu-Natal Province), the Forensic Science Laboratory in Gqeberha North end (Eastern Cape) and the New Brighton Police Station, Gqeberha, on 29 and 31 March 2023, Dated 17 May 2023.

 

  1. INTRODUCTION

 

The Portfolio Committee on Police undertook an oversight visit from 28 to 31 March 2023 to the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces. The aim of the visit was to assess the extent of flood damage to the KwaZulu-Natal Forensic Science Laboratory located in Amanzimtoti. The Eastern Cape Forensic Science Laboratory, located in Ggeberha, was recently refurbished and is now a so-called ‘state of the art’ facility. The Committee also visited the New Brighton Police station, being number six among the Top 30 Police Stations with the highest murder rates in the country. 

 

  1. REPORT ON OVERSIGHT VISITS

 

On 29 March 2023, the Committee was briefed by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Forensic Science Laboratory at the Amanzimtoti Civic Centre in KwaZulu-Natal. On 30 March 2023, the Committee was briefed by the South African Police Service Forensic Science Laboratory at the North End, Gqeberha facility. On 31 March 2023, the Committee was briefed by the South African Police Service at the New Brighton Police Station.

 

  1. DELEGATION

 

The delegation comprised of the following Members and support staff:

 

  1. Members of the Committee

 

The following Members attended the oversight visit:

 

  • Hon. Joemat-Pettersson (Chairperson) (ANC)
  • Hon. Marekwa (ANC)
  • Hon. Seabi (ANC)
  • Hon. Peacock (ANC)
  • Hon. Khoza (EFF)
  • Hon. Terblanche (DA)
  • Hon. Shaik-Emam (NFP)

 

Apologies

 

Apologies were received from the following Members:

  • Hon.  Molekwa (ANC)
  • Hon. Patrein (ANC)
  • Hon. Dr Groenewald (FF+)
  • Hon.  Shembeni (EFF)
  • Hon. Whitfield (DA)
  • Hon. Meshoe (ACDP)
  • Hon. Majozi (IFP)

 

The Chairperson, Honourable Joemat-Pettersson apologized for the KwaZulu-Natal leg of the oversight visit.

 

  1. Support staff

 

The following support staff attended the oversight:

 

  • Ms Mbengo: Committee Secretary
  • Ms van Zyl-Gous: Content Advisor
  • Ms Sihawu: Executive Secretary to the Chairperson

 

 

 

  1. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE FORENSIC SCIENCE LABORATORY IN KWAZULU-NATAL

 

The Portfolio Committee on Police was hosted at the Amanzimtoti Civic Centre to receive a presentation and for committee engagements before moving to the Forensic Science Laboratory for a site inspection.

 

As an opening remark, the Acting Chairperson (Hon Seabi) explained the reason for the oversight visit emanated from the issues of the Forensic Science Laboratories that have been in existence for a long period of time which had a negative impact on the DNA analysis backblock, although the number was reduced significantly. There were structural defects at the KwaZulu-Natal facility that were not yet resolved. The Acting Chairperson emphasised the fact that FSLs must function effectively to deal with the scourge of Gender-based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and murder.

 

  1. Presentation from SAPS

 

The Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal welcomed the delegation and indicated that the presentation will be led by the KwaZulu-Natal Forensic Science Laboratory Regional Head (Brigadier Maluleke). The Regional Head presented the following information on the Forensic Science Laboratory:  

 

  • Forensic Science Laboratory mandate and services
  • Compliance requirements
  • 2022/23 FSL: KwaZulu-Natal performance status as of February 2023
  • 212 statements generated by FSL: KwaZulu-Natal Laboratory
  • Responses to questions raised by the Portfolio Committee on Police
  • Additional information.

 

Note: The presentations can be obtained from the Committee Secretary on request.

 

 

  1. Report by the National Forensic Oversight and Ethics Board (“DNA Board”) on the state of Forensic Science Laboratories in KwaZulu-Natal

 

The Acting Chairperson of the National Forensic Oversight and Ethics Board (“DNA Board”) (Mr Sono) was given an opportunity to comment on the state of the laboratories in the KZN province. He reported that on 15 and 16 September 2022, the DNA Board visited the laboratories in KwaZulu-Natal to inspect the extent of flood damage that affected the Biology laboratory. The DNA Board interviewed the officials and engaged with the management of the laboratory. The DNA Board observed that the laboratory was not in a good state and the working conditions were not conducive, and that if the Board had the power, they should have closed down the laboratory and moved the employees to another place or building where they could operate. The DNA Board was concerned about what would happened if the laboratory collapsed in the area where it is located. The DNA Board was surprised by the high level of performance, as well as the positive results that were produced at the laboratory, despite adverse working conditions. The DNA Board has consolidated a report for all the laboratories across the country. The DNA Board observed that there are a number of challenges and pleaded with the management not to compromise service delivery because of the challenges. The DNA Board thanked the management and the officials for the progress that have been made in the laboratory.

 

  1. Site visit

 

The Committee visited the Ballistics and Chemistry offices where the actual work is taking place. The Committee was extremely concern about the equipment that was not functioning properly, which resulted in officials having to be relocated to the laboratory in the Western Cape. The Committee expressed concern as to why the equipment is not repaired or new equipment not purchased if they could not be repaired. The Committee visited a disused building owned by the SAPS in Durban Central that is going to be refurbished and used as a laboratory when it is completed.

 

  1. Committee deliberations

 

The Committee highlighted the following concerns during deliberations: 

 

  1. The Committee was extremely concerned about the working conditions at the KwaZulu-Natal laboratory, as presented, and that it poses a significant health risks to the employees. The Committee pleaded with the Department to fast-track the relocation of the laboratory.
  2. The Committee wanted to know the percentage of the samples that must still be sent to Cape Town or Pretoria for testing.
  3. The Committee was pleased that the Department was busy with the process of recruitment for the FSL environment. The Department should indicate how long it will take for the trainees to perform the actual duties that they are employed for.
  4. The Committee was of the view that the SAPS is not in the position to have the interim accommodation ready within a period of 24 months and that the building will likely not be completed in the next five years. The Committee was not convinced that the construction project will be completed within a shortened period of 18 months. The Committee questioned if the Department have the funds available for the project. The SAPS should indicate whether it has commenced with the process of identifying the land by obtaining the site clearance certificate as well as the environmental impact assessment. The Committee suggested that the Department should have a facility in KwaZulu-Natal that are state-owned and not leased. The Committee emphasised the fact that the Department of Police should be responsible for its buildings, including maintenance, rather than relying on the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. The Committee wanted to know why the Department wait until buildings are in a state of disrepair before taking acting to secure alternative accommodation.
  5. The Committee expressed its appreciation to SAPS for managing to reduce the backlog in the DNA analysis, although there are number of issues that needs to be addressed, particularly in domestic violence related matters.
  6. The Committee asked if forensic samples were lost because of the flooding at the laboratory. The SAPS should provide the number of the case exhibits that were affected negatively due to the flooding. 
  7. The Committee was expecting to see the figures on the number of the building that are leased by the SAPS including the amount of funds that is payable on the monthly and yearly basis. 
  8. The Committee questioned whether the benchmarking process is done based on the skills and technology that is utilised. The SAPS should provide the reasons as to why it has decided to benchmark with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) instead of any other countries besides the United States of America.
  9. The Committee noted with concern the fact that the DNA samples are analysed in Cape Town and Pretoria. The SAPS should explain the process that is used to transport the samples, including the transportation costs to other provinces. The Committee wanted to know how the Department ensures that the integrity of the samples and evidence is not compromised when it is transported to other provinces for processing.
  10. The Committee wanted to know the number of cases that were withdrawn by the courts due to delays in the analysis of samples.

 

  1. Responses from the Department

 

The Department responded on the following matters:

 

  1. The Department took note of the importance of the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM) although they indicated that they are not familiar with the Model. They will ensure that all the stakeholders are involved, together with the Supply Chain Management Division of SAPS, to expedite construction projects accordingly.
  2. In terms of the new 10 000 recruits, the SAPS stated that the project is also focussed on recruiting specialist, such as forensic analysts, cyber-crime analysts, organised crime analysts, crime scene management, and record management.
  3. The FSL environment highlighted two major projects that they are currently running to improve conviction rates with the assistance of DNA and forensic analysis. The first project is run by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to prioritise all the cases that are about to be placed on the roll without having the DNA analysis reports. The second project is with the Chief Justice Committee called National Efficiency Committee where all the Chief Magistrate and Chief Justice are sitting looking at all the cases that are withdrawn in the court due to lack of forensic material/analysis reports. These cases are prioritised for re-enrolment in court.
  4. The Department took note of the concerns raised by the Committee on the benchmarking process.
  5. The Department mentioned that it has five building facilities in KZN that are operating as forensic laboratories. For these facilities, the Department is paying a total annual cost of R419 184.00. The SAPS spends a monthly amount of roughly R500 000 to transport the samples to other provinces for processing.
  6. The Department is in a process of reviewing its lease contracts as these do not have penalty clauses for landlord failing on respond to maintenance issues.
  7. The Forensic Science Laboratory environment is preferring to occupy state-owned buildings and will refurbish them if it necessary to eliminate the issues of lease contracts.
  8. In terms of the accommodation, the Department has to re-zone various area to assess the conditions in order to submit the application for building. The Department confirmed that the environmental assessment impact has been done in Pinetown.
  9. The SAPS is looking at various options of funding models, although it has partnerships with key stakeholders to look at the issues of maintainers and transfers.
  10. The Department explained that it is bound by the SITA Act to use SITA for procuring technology equipment. The Department further explained the instances where SITA is not seen to be effective due to challenges in the Business Committee Procurement of Maintenance and Technology.
  11. The SAPS indicated that the samples and entry cases were directed to Pretoria. The officials were relocated to other province because they wanted service delivery to continue. The Biology environment was moved to Pretoria in order to analyse the cases and Chemistry was moved to Cape Town to analyse drug-related cases that are collected. There is a particular process that is followed before samples are transported to other provinces.
  12. Currently, there are trainees at Mthatha college who will be graduating later in 2023. In April 2023, the FSL Division will be embarking on a process that will be able to guide them in terms of allocating the trainees in the various sections that they will be qualifying for based on the qualifications they have obtained which will require the assessment to be conducted.
  13. The details were provided on the number of cases that were damaged in the floods as follows: 2016: 2400, 2017:80 and 2022: 6300.  The 80 cases that were damaged were from organised crime. 
  14. The competency matrix determines the training that will be offered for individuals depending on qualifications. In addition, internal training took six months to train the analysist under the Biology section. It also took six months to train the Chemistry analysts. It takes 24 months to train analysts on the explosive materials or equipment. The duration on training various depending on the type of training that is offered to the members. The training for the Ballistics takes one year. The members are subject to both theoretical and practical training and examination.  
  15. The DNA database was developed in-house by SITA, Technology Management Services (TMS) and the SAPS. The SITA and TMS capabilities did not have the experts to develop a functionality to do familiar searches and, as a result, the Department had to look at what other countries are using to develop familiar searches. The Department discovered that most countries are using the CODIS software that was developed by the FBI.

 

  1. Recommendations by the Committee

 

The Committee recommends the following:

 

  1. The Committee recommends that the Forensic Science Laboratories in KwaZulu-Natal should be located in state-owned buildings.
  2. The Committee recommends that the SAPS should focus on owning its buildings to reduce funds spent on private leases.

 

  1. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE FORENSIC SCIENCE LABORATORY IN THE EASTERN CAPE

 

The Portfolio Committee on Police was hosted in the Forensic Science Laboratory North End in Gqeberha to receive presentation and for committee engagements before a site inspection.

 

As an opening remark, the Chairperson gave an opportunity to the Members, guests and stakeholders as well as representatives from the Provincial Government and Provincial Legislature to introduce themselves. The newly refurbished Eastern Cape laboratory is operational, but not yet officially opened by the President, which is expected to happen in April 2023. The visit of the Committee will assess the readiness of the laboratory to function to capacity and to observe a so-called “state of the art” forensic analysis facility.

 

  1. Presentations from SAPS

 

The Eastern Cape Forensic Science Laboratory Regional Head (Brigadier Franzenburg) presented the following information on the Forensic Science Laboratory: 

 

  • Forensic Science Laboratory mandate and services
  • Compliance requirements
  • 2022/23 FSL: EC performance status as of February 2023
  • 212 statement generated by FSL: EC Lab
  • Response to questions raised by the Committee
  • Additional information.

 

Note: The presentations can be obtained from the Committee Secretary on request.

 

  1. Site visit

 

The Committee went to the storeroom where the files are kept. Documents were properly filed and the storeroom was clean. The Committee conducted a walk-about to observe the different sections in the laboratory where the analysis work is taking place. The Department explained the manner in which work is moving from different sections through airlock portals (as such, officials are not allowed entry to other laboratories due to sensitivity of the samples). The Department demonstrated and explained how the machines are operating in the laboratories.

 

  1. Committee deliberations

 

The Committee noted the following during deliberations:

 

  1. The Committee raised a concern regarding the issue of skills at laboratories. The Committee mentioned that the SAPS has considered to introduce a policing programme from school grade 10 to 12. The Committee asked if the Department has engaged with the Department of Basic Education to introduce the syllabus on the policing programme.
  2. The Committee was concerned that the Department is more reliant on SITA rather than having its own systems in place.
  3. The Committee stated that the increase in the price of diesel has affected the work of the laboratories that run generators during load-shedding. The SAPS was questioned whether it has resolved the issue of procuring diesel at reasonable prices.
  4. The Committee wanted to know how long does it takes to process DNA samples.
  5. The Committee wanted to know the type of vetting process that is in place for personnel working with case exhibits in the Forensic Science Laboratories.
  6. The SAPS should provide the reasons as to why Nyaope and Whoonga are not classified as drugs.
  7. The Committee observed that there were contradictions in the presentation on equipment and training.
  8. The Committee asked whether the laboratory in Gqeberha is being leased or whether it is a state-owned building, and requested that the Department indicate the costs that are payable monthly (if leased).
  9. The Committee questioned if the Department has ever received any complaints from the public with regards to corruption.
  10. The Department should provide the figures and percentage on backlog cases that are not resolved.

 

  1. Responses

 

The following responses were received from the Departments:

 

  1. The Department confirmed that there is a back-up generation capacity at the laboratory during times of load-shedding. However, there are challenges with the small time-lapse between the power going off and the UPS systems starting up. This leads to the equipment malfunctioning.
  2. The Department is utilising various floors in the North End building of the DPWI without any costs.
  3. The SAPS provided the reasons why the Nyaope and Whoonga are not categorised as drugs as it is not legislated as such. The SAPS said that these drugs are created of a mixture using different chemicals.
  4. The SAPS indicated that there are two training programmes offered to the trainees. The duration depends on the training that one has to undergo, but it normally takes a period of six months. 
  5. The vetting process is compulsory to all the members who are responsible for the DNA database and forensic analysis.

 

  1. Recommendations by the Committee

 

The Committee recommends the following:

  1. The Committee recommends that the SAPS should continue engagements with DPWI to make additional floors available for the occupation of the FSL.  
  2. The Committee recommends that the SAPS should provide recreational and cafeteria facilities at the laboratory building. 

 

  1. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTS WITH COMMUNITY POLICING FORUMS (CPFS)

 

The Committee met with the local Community Policing Forums (CPFs) at the B&E Conference Centre in Gqeberha. The Chairperson indicated that the Committee arranged a meeting with the local CPFs to get a first-hand account of the challenges experienced in executing its roles and responsibilities. The Chairperson said that the SAPS Reservist should also be invited to these engagements in future. The Chairperson pointed out that the SAPS Act, 1995, must be amended to clarity the roles of Community Policing Forums. The Chairperson indicated that the Committee will be visiting the police station located in New Brighton, as the station is ranked number six on the national top 30 Police Stations for murder. The Committee’s visit to the police station is to assess intervention implemented to date to bring down the murder rate in the areas and the impact thereof.

 

The CPF members raised their concerns about the lack of adequate resources necessary to assist the SAPS policing work. The CPFs highlighted the need for improved training from accredited bodies to ensure personal development and better implementation of their role and responsibility. There was a call for SAPS at local and district level to open and improve communication channels between SAPS and CPFs, to ensure better collaboration. The CPFs pleaded with the Committee to take into consideration that the CPFs must get a stipend and benefits for their services. The CFPs are using their own resources to perform their duties when it is necessary, despite the fact that they are struggling as they do not have the necessary funds.

 

The CPFs reported that the Provincial Government at the Department of Community Safety and Liaison informed them that there is a budget available for the CPFs. The Chairperson of the CPF Board clarified the issue regarding the budget that it is available for the stipend and stated that the SAPS did not say anything about the amount of R30 million that is available for the CPFs. The issue of the stipend was raised by one of the officials at the Department of Community Safety and Liaison.

 

The CPFs are solely relying on the police for transportation and suggested that there must be a designated vehicle for them which must not be branded. The CPFs complained about SAPS vehicles that are in the garages for repairs for a long period of time, in some instances for minor repairs.  The CPFs want to be involved in the recruitment process of the SAPS and indicated that the process must be more transparent. The Department was advised to conduct a thorough background check before any person is recruited as some of them have criminal records. The Chairperson emphasised the point that the Committee does not have jurisdiction to instruct the Department to involve the CPFs to form part of the recruitment process.

 

The CPFs raised the issue regarding the police stations that are dilapidated. The members of the CPFs wanted to know when the full station at Kwa-Dwesi will be built. The Committee responded that it does not get involved in the construction of stations, but it can request the Department to take into consideration of building the station at Ezwide.

 

The Committee has been constantly requesting the Department to bring forward the SAPS Amendment Bill ever since the parliamentary term started in 2019. The Department has been making excuses about the delays in obtaining the funding for the CPFs from the Department of National Treasury. The Committee highlighted its displeasure that the SAPS Amendment Bill has not been tabled in Parliament for consideration to ensure that the legislation governing the policing environment is responsive to current challenges. The Committee said that the SAPS budget will not be approved if the CPFs funds are not included. The Committee remains of the view that CPFs play a critical role in the fight against crime and better resourcing of this critical environment will serve to enhance policing in general. 

 

The CPFs appreciated the role played by the District Commissioner, which was shared by the Committee.

 

The Committee took note of all the issues raised which must be addressed in a scheduled Committee meeting. The issue of the stipend is very serious and must be taken as a project. This project has milestones which must be reported to the Committee about its phases and challenges.

 

  1. Responses

 

The following responses were received from the Departments:

 

  1. The Acting Secretary for Police Service noted all concerns raised and stated that these will be taken into consideration but he did not promise that all the issue will be addressed.
  2. The CSPS will address the issue regarding the members who are not receiving accredited training to capacitate them properly. The CSPS organised training with Wits University.
  3. The CSPS will ensure that CPF members receive training certificates.
  4. The Department reported that it has involved the Provincial Chairpersons of the CPFs in developing the operations of the CPFs. They will work with the Department of Community Safety and Liaison from the various provinces to identify the gaps.
  5. The Department has been attempting to engage with the Department of Treasury regarding the funding of the CPFs, but the request was not successful. The CSPS should submit a report on the progress of the CPFs funding.
  6. The CPFs must report to Major General Ncata about the police officers who does not want to work with the CPFs.
  7. The SAPS has ordered a number of vehicles such as the bakkies that will be suitable for the terrain.
  8. The SAPS provided the reasons why the Detectives are utilising the vehicles after working hours because they meet with the complainants and attend the incidence that happened for the investigation purposes.
  9. The SAPS has noted the issue raised by the CPFs regarding the stipend and they will convey a message to the National Commissioner to engage with stakeholders.
  10. The recruitment process of the SAPS is conducted at the National and Provincial level.

 

  1. Recommendations by the Committee

 

The Committee recommends the following:

 

  1. The Committee recommends that the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety in the Eastern Cape Legislature should monitor the progress made by the Provincial Department on issues raised by the CPFs.
  2. The Committee recommends that the CSPS should create a national database to capture all members of CPFs.
  3. The Committee recommends that the SAPS should consider providing unmarked transport to CPFs.
  4. The Committee recommends that the SAPS should improve the communication with the CPFs in order to perform functions.
  5. The Committee recommends that the SAPS should make resources available to CPFs to avoid a situation where CPF members utilise their own resources to executive the duties.
  6. The Committee recommends that the Community-in-Blue concept should be fully implemented in all police stations in the Gqeberha area and that CPF members must be issued with the required resources such as bibs.
  7. The Committee recommends that the SAPS engage the Eastern Cape Liquor Board to strengthen its licensing processes in order to prevent further proliferation of taverns in residential areas.

 

  1. NEW BRIGHTON POLICE STATION

 

  1. Presentation by SAPS

 

As an introduction, the Station Commander gave a short overview of the New Brighton area. He highlighted that the New Brighton area has 81 taverns, which service a population of 98 849 people. The SAPS informed the Committee that the growth in the number of taverns has made it difficult to police the area. The SAPS also emphasised the strong correlation between violent crime and GBVF with substance abuse.

 

The District Commissioner (Major General Ncata) presented the following information on the New Brighton Police Station to the Committee: 

 

  • Background
  • Demographics
  • Resources personnel
  • Resources vehicles
  • Crime statistics
  • Resources building
  • Root causes associated with crimes
  • Policing challenges

 

Note: The presentations can be obtained from the Committee Secretary on request.

 

  1. Committee deliberation

 

The Committee noted the following during deliberations:

 

  1. The Committee has emphasised its concern about the number of taverns mushrooming in New Brighton, which create an environment conducive for violent crime and gender-based violence. The Committee enquired if the taverns are being inspected before the license is issued.  
  2. The Committee was concerned about the large caseload that Detectives are expected to handle. The Committee considers an average of 44 cases per Detective as unsustainable and will result in poor investigations and low conviction rates. 
  3. The Committee is aware of SAPS’s financial constraints, but has emphasised the need for Detectives to be capacitated along with Visible Policing to prevent crime.
  4. The Committee was of the view that the SAPS management should not appear before the Committee about the equipment that is non-functional, but should address the challenges.
  5. The Committee requested the full details regarding the arrest of the New Brighton Station Commander.
  6. The Committee highlighted concerns with the continuing challenge posed by the inadequate support from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure gives to SAPS. The lack of infrastructure support impacts negatively on the productivity of SAPS members.
  7. The Committee raised concern about the detention/holding cells not being operational for more than two weeks due to a blockage in the sewage system at the New Brighton Police Station.
  8. The Committee raised concern about the state of the Victim Friendly Room as it was not resourced properly. It needed a bed, toys for children, care packs and feminine products for victims.
  9. The Committee raised concern about the lack of CCTV cameras in and around the New Brighton Police Station. 

 

  1. Responses

 

The following responses were received from the Department:

 

  1. The SAPS responded that the issue of safety and security for police officers is a priority and it will keep on monitoring the progress in this regard.
  2. The Department indicated that lower-ranking officers are leaving the service to join private security companies as the remuneration is generally better than what the SAPS offers.
  3. The SAPS took note of the tools of trade that are required at the station and it will ensure that the cell phones are provided to the police officials.
  4. The Department indicated that an agreement was reached with the DPWI that the SAPS may conduct maintenance work at police stations to the value of R1 million.
  5. The Department mentioned that the Department of Trade and Industry should be brought on board to address issues of tavern licences to consider the impact of substance abuse on crime and not only consider issues of economic development.
  6. The SAPS indicated that the docket quality control project is operational and that the docket ratio will be reduced for Detectives.
  7. The Acting Station Committee confirmed that the Station Commander was arrested.
  8.  The SAPS indicated that stable family formations must be upheld in terms of staff rotation.

 

  1. Recommendations

 

The Committee recommends the following:

 

  1. The Committee recommends that the SAPS engage the Eastern Cape Liquor Board to strengthen its licensing processes in order to prevent further proliferation of taverns in residential areas.
  2. The Committee recommends that the Victim Friendly Room at the New Brighton Police Station be resourced and issued with toys for children, a bed and care-packs for female victims, including feminine sanitary products.
  3. The New Brighton Police Station should be prioritised for the installation of CCTV cameras and other security measures. 

 

 

  1. INFORMATION REQUEST

 

The Committee requested the following information:

 

  1. The Department and Secretariat should provide a progress report on the issue of stipends to CPF members within the following month.
  2. The DNA Board should submit their report on the state of Forensic Science Laboratories countrywide to the Committee.
  3. The Department must submit a report on the number of cases that were withdrawn by the courts due to a lack of DNA analysis reports. The responses should be submitted not later than Friday, 14 April 2023.
  4. The Committee requests a breakdown of all building occupied by the SAPS in terms of whether the building is state-owned or leased, and a cost breakdown of the funds spent on leases.
  5. The Department should produce a report on overtime payment for analysts.

 

  1. CONCLUSION

 

The Acting Chairperson thanked the Department for their comprehensive presentations, as well as the responses to concerns raised by Members. The Department was requested to address all the issues that were raised as matter of urgency. The Acting Chairperson emphasised the importance of planning in order for the Department carry out its functions. The Committee has seen an improvement in the Forensic Science Laboratory environment in that the DNA analysis backlog has been significantly reduced. The Portfolio Committee on Police is impressed with the revamp work done at the North End Forensic Science Laboratory in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, and believes that the laboratory will add the necessary energy to the fight against gender-based violence and other violent crimes. 

 

The Committee welcomed the improved efficiency within the Supply Chain Management Division of the SAPS, which has resulted in the timely and proactive renewal of contracts and the procurement of consumables and reagents. Furthermore, the Committee welcomed the intention to have supplier open-days to enable the SAPS to broaden its supplier database, especially in areas where there was a dependence on one or two suppliers. The Committee was of the view that there is a need to have discussion on overtime payments.

 

Report to be considered.

 

Documents

What's wrong with this page?