An outcry by victims of rape is the amount of time it takes to process cases through the justice system due to delays in receiving results of DNA tests, probably the most crucial evidence in any rape case.

The delays have always been longer in the Eastern Cape due to the province not having its own fully functional DNA laboratory, forcing it to send its specimens to neighbouring provinces which themselves have high case loads.

An important step towards shortening the time it takes to process DNA tests was taken at the meeting of the 6th Administration’s Exco Meeting that was held on 30 October.

A statement issued after the meeting read as follows in relation this aspect:

“As part of responding to the increasing rape, gender based violence and femicide cases in the province, the provincial government is working with the national Minister of Police to set up a DNA lab to be located at the East London IDZ. The province does not have a complete DNA lab and samples for DNA tests are sent to the neighboring provinces, something that delays adjudication of cases.

At its meeting the executive council received a report indicating that the South African Police Services (SAPS) is speeding up the process of establishing a complete DNA lab in the province and moves are afoot to conclude tests being done to verify the suitability of the chosen site for this DNA lab. The Executive Council welcomed this update saying it will help in speeding up conclusion of rape, gender based violence and femicide cases”.