The backlog of Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) cases at the Directorate of Government Analytical Laboratory (DGAL) has increased, according to the latest Auditor General’s report.
DGAL was established to provide scientific and forensic analytical services in support of the administration of justice, including criminal investigations and paternity testing.
Over the past three years, the demand for DNA paternity testing has risen significantly, alongside increased reliance on forensic science to support investigations. However, the report indicates that the laboratory has struggled to keep pace with the growing workload.
According to the Auditor General, DNA case backlogs have remained persistently high over the past five years. Year-end backlogs rose from 786 cases in the 2020/21 financial year to 923 cases in 2024/25, representing a 17 percent increase during the period.
The report further highlights challenges related to equipment utilisation at the DNA laboratory, which currently has four genetic analysers used to process DNA samples.
“However, one analyser was obsolete; another, designated for wildlife DNA analysis, was functional but rarely used; a third was frequently used but operated below capacity; and the fourth, which was installed in January 2025, had not yet been put to use eight months after procurement,” the report states.
The Auditor General warns that continued inefficiencies in equipment use could further exacerbate delays in DNA analysis, with implications for investigations and the timely delivery of justice.
