South Africa is grappling with a staggering backlog of over 140,000 forensic DNA cases, leaving families in agony and delaying justice for victims of gender-based violence and murder. The crisis has drawn sharp criticism from experts, who warn that systemic failures in the country’s forensic laboratories are allowing criminals to evade accountability while traumatized families wait for closure.
Families Left in Limbo
One such family is the Mashianes from Mamelodi East, who have been unable to bury their loved one, Solomon Mashiane, since June. Mashiane was burned beyond recognition, and his remains are still held at a mortuary while authorities await DNA confirmation—a process that has dragged on for months.
“We just want to lay him to rest,” a family member pleaded, highlighting the emotional toll of the delay.
Systemic Failures Deepen Crisis
Dr. Vanessa Lynch, regional director of DNA for Africa, explained that the backlog stems from expired service contracts, unmaintained equipment, and ignored recommendations within the South African Police Service (SAPS) forensic labs. Despite having three functional laboratories, inefficiencies have led to a growing pile of untested cases.
“The backlog is exponential—it just keeps increasing,” Lynch said. “We have the capacity, but the system is not functioning.”
Justice Delayed for GBV and Murder Victims
The delays have dire consequences, particularly for gender-based violence (GBV) and murder cases, where DNA evidence is crucial. Lynch noted that many rape survivors wait years for results, allowing perpetrators to remain free—and often reoffend.
“A perpetrator identified earlier could be stopped before they attack 10 or 20 more people,” she said. “But with delays, justice is denied.”
Calls for Urgent Intervention
Lynch has urged Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police and the Auditor-General to investigate the forensic labs’ dysfunction. She also proposed public-private partnerships and utilizing underused facilities, like the Forensic Pathology Institute in Cape Town, to ease the burden.
“We need transparency and immediate action,” she stressed. “Every day we wait, more victims suffer.”
A Glimmer of Hope?
While Lynch has been invited to present solutions to lawmakers, she warns that government processes move slowly. Meanwhile, families like the Mashianes remain in painful limbo, and countless GBV survivors face an agonizing wait for justice.
As pressure mounts, activists and experts demand urgent reforms to restore faith in South Africa’s forensic system—before more lives are left in the balance.