# FIND THE PERPETRATORS. PROCESS THE EVIDENCE. 

### A petition for urgent action on South Africa’s forensic DNA backlog

“What happens when the evidence needed to identify a perpetrator is sitting in a forensic laboratory waiting to be processed?”

We can fight for the death penalty, but without proper evidence, there is no conviction. 

South Africa is once again confronting the devastating reality of violence against women.

In recent weeks, multiple women have been found dead in and around Ekurhuleni, with police investigating whether some of the cases may be connected.

We do not yet know whether these crimes are connected, and we are not claiming that they are.

But they raise an urgent question:

**Are we doing everything possible to identify perpetrators, connect crimes and prevent further victims?**

One part of that answer is forensic evidence.

## SOUTH AFRICA HAS A DNA BACKLOG

In March 2025, Parliament was informed that the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory division was facing a DNA backlog of **more than 140,000 cases**.

Parliament described the backlog as a threat to the criminal-justice system and to efforts to combat gender-based violence.

And this is not simply an old number that can be forgotten.

In 2026, Parliament was still raising concerns about the existing DNA backlog and calling for a comprehensive turnaround strategy to address backlogs, improve legally required turnaround times and strengthen forensic laboratory performance.

## WHAT DOES A DNA BACKLOG ACTUALLY MEAN?

When a serious crime occurs, forensic evidence may be collected from a crime scene or from a victim.

That evidence can contain DNA.

When properly analysed, a DNA profile can potentially help investigators:

* identify a perpetrator;

* connect a suspect to a crime;

* establish links between different crimes;

* generate investigative leads; and

* strengthen a case for prosecution.

A DNA backlog means that forensic evidence can remain waiting to be processed instead of being analysed and made available to investigators.

That delay matters.

Because while evidence waits, **a perpetrator may remain unidentified.**

And if that person has committed another crime, the opportunity to connect those crimes may also be delayed.

## WE ALREADY HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY.

We have forensic laboratories.

We have DNA legislation.

We have a national forensic DNA system.

We have investigators, prosecutors and courts that rely on forensic evidence.

What we need is a system that can process that evidence **efficiently, transparently and within appropriate timeframes.**

This petition is not about demanding another law.

It is about demanding that the systems we already have are properly resourced, properly managed and held accountable.

## WE CALL ON GOVERNMENT, SAPS AND ALL RELEVANT AUTHORITIES TO:

### 1. CLEAR THE DNA BACKLOG

Implement and publicly report on a properly resourced plan to reduce and ultimately eliminate outstanding forensic DNA cases.

### 2. PRIORITISE SERIOUS AND VIOLENT CRIMES

Ensure that DNA evidence relating to rape, sexual assault, murder, femicide and other serious violent crimes is processed with appropriate urgency.

### 3. USE DNA TO CONNECT CRIMES

Ensure that forensic DNA results are effectively entered, compared and used to identify perpetrators and establish links between related or repeat offences.

### 4. IMPROVE TURNAROUND TIMES

Ensure that forensic evidence is processed within legally required and operationally appropriate timeframes.

### 5. REPORT TO THE PUBLIC

Provide regular, transparent public reporting on:

* the size of the forensic DNA backlog;

* how long cases have been outstanding;

* turnaround times;

* processing capacity; and

* measurable progress in reducing the backlog.

## THIS IS NOT WOMEN VERSUS MEN.

It is about victims and perpetrators.

It is about evidence and accountability.

It is about making sure that evidence collected from a crime scene does not sit waiting while victims and their families wait for answers.

We cannot prevent every crime.

But we can demand that when a violent crime occurs, **every available investigative tool is used to identify the person responsible.**

We are asking for action.

**PROCESS THE EVIDENCE.**

**CONNECT THE CRIMES.**

**FIND THE PERPETRATORS.**

**PROTECT THE PUBLIC.**

If you believe South Africa must urgently strengthen its forensic DNA system and address its outstanding backlog, **please sign this petition and share it.**