The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape is dismayed and outraged by yet another postponement of the Brand family murder case in the Hartswater Magistrates Court today. For the umpteenth time, the case was postponed and will only be before the courts on 2 September 2021.

Although quick action from the South African Police Services (SAPS) and community efforts led to the swift arrest of five suspects, delays in the processing of DNA-tests continues to delay the case. If the National Forensic Science Laboratory (NFSL) cannot get its act together, these delays will continue to deny justice.

We appreciate that our earlier discussions with the provincial commissioner of the SAPS shortened the delay somewhat, as it was initially expected that tests would only be completed in December 2021.

The DA will continue our engagements with the acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS so that the NFSL can process the evidence as a matter of urgency. We will also continue monitoring the court case and keep up the pressure to secure convictions for those guilty of this horrific crime.

 

Issued by The DA