The National Forensic Science Laboratory (NFSL) is apparently only now busy with the DNA exhibits from the triple murder case of Danie, Breggie and Elzabie Brand, who were brutally killed during an attack on their Hartswater plot, a year ago.

This came to light in the Hartswater Magistrates Court today, where the trial had to be postponed until 12 August, due to the outstanding DNA results.

Today’s umpteenth delay has once again stood in the way of justice serving its course. DNA backlogs should not be delaying the successful conviction of perpetrators of murders and violent crimes, for undetermined periods of time. DNA results should instead be used as a real-time tool, to speed up the drawn-out processes of the justice system, so that criminals can get their deserved sentences, while all those affected by crime can also get closure as soon as possible.

The Brand case clearly demonstrates the urgency with which South Africa’s DNA backlog crisis, which at the last known date was standing at 200 000 DNA case exhibits, has to be addressed.

For the sake of combatting violent crime, the situation needs urgent and dedicated attention from the South African Police Service (SAPS). The DA will again engage with acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major-General Henriette de Waal, appealing to the SAPS to keep the pressure on the laboratory for the DNA results of this priority case.

The DA will continue to monitor all court proceedings related to this case, further maintaining the pressure from our side to ultimately secure successful convictions of the perpetrators of the Brand murders.

 

Issued by The DA