DA calls on AG to probe backlogs at forensic labs

9 August 2015

In a reply to a DA parliamentary question, the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, revealed that the Forensic Chemistry Laboratories (FCLs) in the country still face a backlog of 43 397 unprocessed pre and post-mortem drunk driving blood alcohol samples.

A further 20 000 unprocessed blood alcohol samples are historical backlogs. This brings the unprocessed samples to an astounding 63 397.

While we commend the FCLs on processing new samples received up to 31 July 2015, according to the reply, more clearly needs to be done to get rid of the backlog. We cannot allow drunk driving to go unpunished due to administrative and skills shortages at our FCLs.

Earlier this year we made recommendations to Minister Motsoaledi to reduce the amount of unprocessed samples by:

Requesting for ease of the current backlog faced, that Universities assist the FCLs in processing blood alcohol samples, in the short to medium term;

Setting up mobile laboratories, such as in the DA-run City of Cape Town, to ensure speedy turnaround times; and

In the longer run, incorporating the FCLs with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Forensic Labs.

These severe backlogs are extremely problematic and have adverse consequences on our criminal justice system because without the timeous processing of these blood alcohol samples, cases of drunken-driving cannot be properly investigated.

In 2009 the Auditor General conducted an investigation into the performance of the FCLs in the country. The 2009 AG’s performance audit of the Labs revealed factors that negatively affected the capacity of the labs to function efficiently: 'Low staff morale' resulting from the laboratories being in 'unsuitable buildings, inadequate storing place for samples, no backup power supply' and a 'total disregard for the Occupational Health and Safety Act’.

I have therefore written to the Audit General of South Africa (AGSA), Kimi Makwethu, to request that his office again conducts a special audit of the FCLs countrywide to assess any progress made by the FCLs against the recommendations made by his office in 2009. Minister Motsoaledi is simply not cracking an old problem for which the solutions are simple, known and awaiting execution.

Statement issued by Dr Wilmot James MP, DA Shadow Minister of Health, August 9 2015