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Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson hands over a forensic laboratory to the SAPS in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Ministry of Police says a new forensic laboratory handed over to the police by the Department of Public Works marks a significant milestone in strengthening police capacity. The new facility aims to fast-track forensic analysis to support investigative work.
KwaZulu-Natal’s forensic services has a backlog of more than 27 000 exhibits that need to be analysed.
In law, justice delayed is justice denied. For years, victims of violence have been prevented from receiving timely justice due to forensic backlogs.
Last year, SAPS reported that the country had a backlog of around 140 000 cases. It is hoped that the new modern facility will improve the turnaround time on cases.
It will house key specialised units, including the Biology and Chemistry Units, and the Questioned Documents Unit.
The previous building in Amanzimtoti, which was in a flood-prone area, was no longer suitable.
“The facility we handed over today will support the forensic and investigative work of the South African Police Service in KwaZulu-Natal. It brings together specialised forensic services into a single, secure, fit-for-purpose environment, strengthening the state’s ability to process evidence, support investigations and improve the integrity of the criminal justice system. This has been a personal passion project for me because when forensic services are weak, delayed, fragmented, or compromised, justice suffers,” says Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson.
— Dean Macpherson MP (@DeanMacpherson) April 17, 2026
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi says whilst the facility will address the bottleneck in criminal investigations. The new facility requires more equipment and staff.
“So, indeed, as I said, turnaround time is going to be reduced once we have this lab fully functional. I know there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done by the South African Police Service in making sure that we equip these facilities with necessary machinery to deliver the service. I know analysts are being recruited, training is taking place,” says Mkhwanazi.
The building is being leased to the police as a short-term solution, whilst work on a world- class facility is still underway.
