Social Development
(a)What is his Department’s assessment of the impact of the backlog in DNA testing on the prosecution and conviction rates of gender-based violence (GBV) crimes, particularly those involving women and children, and (b) what measures is his Depart-ment taking, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to address these delays and to ensure timely justice for the survivors of GBV?
a) The Western Cape Department of Social Development does not have access to detailed information on the impact of the backlog in DNA testing on the prosecution and conviction rates of Gender-based Violence crimes. This issue has, however, been flagged as an area of concern in the Western Cape Government’s NSP Implementation Plan for GBV and is subject to oversight by the Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety.
(b) The Department of Social Development does not have the legislative authority to oversee and/or intervene directly in criminal proceedings, including DNA testing processes. Criminal case flows and any delays therein are overseen by the Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety’s Court Watching Briefs program as well as the Provincial Efficiency Enhancement Committee, which is chaired by the Provincial Judge President. The Department participates in this structure and flags concerns where they arise. The Department of Social Development, along with the Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety also raise any criminal procedure delays observed at the province’s Victim Empowerment Forum, Provjoints and Devcom. The Department’s psychosocial services to victims of GBV-related crimes continue despite any possible delays in related criminal proceedings.
