Amnesty International South Africa said on Monday it is concerned that existing DNA backlogs at forensic science laboratories are denying victims of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) access to justice.

The organisation wants Police Minister Bheki Cele to provide an update on the number of backlogged cases in relation to GBVF, an estimated timeline for clearing the backlog and for him to report on them in his quarterly crime statistics.

In a letter addressed to Cele Amnesty International explained that GBVF remains high in the country and that murder and attempted murder of women registered 53.2% and 31.4% increases, respectively.

Amnesty International is concerned about the lack of reliable data on the DNA backlog, which it says is compounding the problem.

In its letter to the Minister it pointed out that he had promised that the backlog will be cleared within six months from March. Amnesty International says there has been no feedback on the matter.

“Minster, the gang rape and robbery of eight women in Krugersdorp did not only shine a spotlight on the continuing problem of sexual offences and violence against women in the country, but was also a gruesome reminder of the fact that we need to get rid of the backlog. Perpetrators need to fear being caught and brought to book, however, the DNA backlog is not helping in doing this,” the organisation said.

Amnesty International further highlighted that there is no real deterrent to committing sexual offences and crimes of violence against women as perpetrators continue to act with impunity.  

The organisation said it does seems as though the matter is being handled with the urgency it deserves and added that inconsistent and unreliable data shows a lack of commitment.

“We urgently need to ensure that the victims of GBVF and their families get justice. The government and police continue to fail people, especially women and children, in the country who continue to face horrendous crimes against them, with little to no action from the country’s duty bearers. The State has an obligation to protect people’s rights to life and security and we are not seeing this obligation realised,” it said.