- DA welcomes ministers collaborating for better SAPS infrastructure.
- New KZN forensic lab will tackle DNA backlog and delays.
- DA will oversee this new SAPS infrastructure to ensure effectiveness.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the productive engagement between the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, and the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, regarding how the Department of Public Works can more effectively support the infrastructure needs of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
This meeting marks a crucial step toward strengthening the operational capacity of SAPS, particularly in critical areas such as forensic services. We are especially encouraged by the prioritisation of the construction of a new forensic laboratory in KwaZulu-Natal — a long-overdue intervention that will play a pivotal role in addressing the province’s severe DNA backlog and delays in forensic case processing.
The DA has consistently raised concerns about the crippling effects of forensic delays on the criminal justice system, including the risk of collapsed prosecutions and justice being denied to victims and families. A modern, fully equipped facility in KZN will go a long way toward improving turnaround times, restoring public trust, and ensuring perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.
We will continue to monitor the implementation of this commitment and will hold government accountable to deliver on infrastructure that directly enhances SAPS effectiveness and community safety.