The backlog, which surpasses 140 000 cases, is hampering justice and raising serious questions about the ability to prosecute criminals effectively.

The Police Services Forensic Science Laboratory has come under scrutiny for its delays in processing DNA samples, delays that NGOs argue exacerbate the trauma experienced by victims while simultaneously enabling perpetrators to evade justice.

Shaine Griqua, Director of the Shaine Griqua Advice and Development Centre, is leading calls for urgent intervention. He emphasised the need for investment in infrastructure, particularly in provinces like the Northern Cape.

"I want to see the Northern Cape becoming a province with a laboratory. I want to see the government of Northern Cape calling on Premier Zamani Saul to invest and redirect money so that they can establish such in this province so that we can deal with this backlog. That is very much important," Griqua stressed.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--