The Portfolio Committee on Police has adopted the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill.

Committee Chairperson, Ms Annelize van Wyk, said she was aware that the Bill would not eradicate crime but it would contribute immensely to its crime-fighting efforts. The Bill which seeks to, among others, provide for the taking of specified bodily samples from certain categories for the purposes of forensic DNA analysis, provide for the use of forensic DNA profiles in the investigation of crime and use of such profiles in proving the innocence or guilt of persons during a prosecution or the exoneration of convicted persons.

In adopting the Bill, Committee Members believe the Bill will have a particular impact on solving crimes against women and children. But the Committee is not satisfied with the manner the South African Police Service dealt with the costing implications of the Bill. SAPS admitted today that they only held meetings on financial requirements of the implementation of the Bill in response to questions raised by Committee members in meetings a couple of months ago.

According to Ms Van Wyk, the submission of costing attached to the Bill is a legal requirement that all bills must adhere to. The Committee told SAPS that they expect quarterly reports on the implementation of the Bill.  
 
The Bill will now be tabled before the House for its consideration.