1. The table below reflects the details in this regard:
Forensic Chemistry Laboratory Cape Town |
Forensic Chemistry Laboratory Johannesburg |
Forensic Chemistry Laboratory Pretoria |
Total |
|
(a) the total backlog of toxicological reports at the laboratories at present |
5474 |
10335* |
12 372 |
28,181 |
(b) total number of reports outstanding for (i) more than 10 years, |
1030 |
6333 |
526 |
7,889 |
(b) total number of reports outstanding for (ii) 10-9 years, |
139 |
842 |
1294 |
2,275 |
(b) total number of reports outstanding for (iii) 9-8 years, |
376 |
854 |
1519 |
2,749 |
(b) total number of reports outstanding for (iv) 8-5 years, |
430 |
2370 |
2925 |
5,725 |
(b) total number of reports outstanding for (v) 5-1 years; |
2484 |
4132 |
6108 |
12,724 |
*As at 30 September 2020
2. (a) The reasons for the backlogs are:
(i) The number of unprocessed samples indicated in the table above, include approximately 12,315 cases (multiple samples per case) without SAPS CAS (Case Administration System) numbers. The mandate of the Forensic Chemistry Laboratories (FCLs) is to analyse only samples with SAPS CAS numbers – these cases will thus only be tested upon request of the SAPS Investigating Officer or relevant Forensic Pathologist.
(ii) Of the 28,181 unprocessed cases as at 30 November 2020, only 16,550 cases contain CAS numbers.
(b) The following measures are employed to address the backlog:
3. I will make a statement at the appropriate time.
END.