Ekurhuleni murders: Where are the DNA results?

DA MP Ian Cameron has demanded answers from acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia over DNA analysis in 12 murder cases in Ekurhuleni.

Cameron said Cachalia failed to confirm whether forensic analysis of exhibits linked to the cases had been completed.

In a statement on Tuesday, Cameron said the minister’s response to his parliamentary question left Parliament unable to establish how much work remained outstanding.

No timeline for DNA analysis

Cameron said Cachalia indicated that information on the number of outstanding exhibits was “not readily available” from the Forensic Science Laboratory.

The minister also failed to provide details on when the laboratory received the exhibits, how long they had been awaiting analysis or when it expected to complete the work.

Cachalia cited the complexity of DNA analysis and the potential risks to ongoing investigations.

“That is an unacceptable answer to a question about forensic work in murder investigations,” Cameron said.

The DA MP has called for SAPS to provide a progress report detailing the work it has completed, the outstanding exhibits and reasons for any delays.

He also wants police to provide deadlines and identify the senior official responsible for overseeing the forensic work.

Ekurhuleni murder investigations

The latest development comes amid ongoing investigations into the deaths of several women across Ekurhuleni.

As previously reported by The South African, police confirmed that forensic evidence had linked persons of interest to some of the victims.

However, investigators have not confirmed whether a serial killer is responsible for the murders.

Cameron said authorities owed the affected families answers and that Parliament needed to exercise oversight while there was still time to address any shortcomings.