SAPS plan to curb DNA and rape kit shortage

THE South African Police Service (SAPS) says measures have been put in place to avoid the shortage of DNA and rape kits across the country. In a statement the police service said it’s concerned about media reports indicating that there’s a scarcity of the kits.

SAPS has admitted that this is indeed the situation at some of the police stations.

The SAPS said:  “The situation is such that the SAPS had entered into a tender process to procure more evidence collection kits. Two of the suppliers that took part in the bid process were disqualified because they could not meet the specifications as outlined by the department.”

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SAPS added that the problem worsened when a qualifying supplier was found but could not be used as it’s currently under investigation.

“The SAPS however discovered that a third supplier that did meet the required specifications is currently under criminal investigation. Therefore, the SAPS could not continue with the awarding of the tender.  In the meantime, to avoid a total lack of these resources, SAPS has embarked on a procurement process through a quotation basis,” said the police service.

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SAPS concluded by saying that it has identified some companies and are currently assessing their suitability to provide the required evidence collection kits.

“To ensure that that we continue to provide an efficient and effective policing service, the SAPS is also currently in the process of redistributing the evidence collection kits to clusters and stations that are experiencing shortages. The SAPS is satisfied that these actions will ensure that there is sufficient stock for a period of two months while the acquisition process unfolds.”

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