Backlog in Forensics delay more than 3 000 drunk driving cases in the EC

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 Police Minister Nathi Nhleko says a total of 3 019 drunken driving cases are still pending in the Eastern Cape because of “delays in forensic results”.

Replying to a written question from the DA in the National Council of Provinces, Minister Nhleko said 642 cases were still pending from the 2010/11 financial year; 539 from 2011/12 and 734 from 2012/13.

He says a further 1 104 cases, between January First and July 31st this year, were also being delayed as forensic results had not been finalised.

Nhleko says the delay with the analysis of blood samples at the laboratory of the Department of Health in Cape Town had been caused by “huge backlogs there that had accumulated over a few years”.

The Police Minister says a sub-committee had been established and “agreements" have been reached on processes to prioritise and fast track the analysis of blood samples.

(Source: Metro Minute to subscribe mail metminutes@iafrica.com)