State security deputy minister Zizi Kodwa expressed unhappiness at the weekend at the delay in getting DNA results, which leads to the withdrawal of criminal cases and sometimes lets many, who could have been found guilty of serious crimes, off the hook.
Kodwa was speaking at the funeral service for rape victim Sinoxolo Siphuka, who died when a man shot her at close range at her Gxulu home near Mthatha in front of her young child, her mother and cousin.
At the time of her death, Siphuka was about to testify against a businessman accused of raping her.
The case was to be heard on August 10 in the Libode magistrate’s court.
“The government has a huge challenge with delays in DNA results which cause cases to drag on,” Kodwa said.
“That sometimes results in suspects being released.
“The state must be reminded that perhaps we need to review things such as bail for suspects of GBV and expedite DNA when cases of rape and murder have been opened so that we do not leave suspects out for a long time because they can come back and brutalise the victims.”
Kodwa said this sometimes discouraged informers who could assist.
“The matter of courts considering these elements when releasing suspects on bail is also under review by the government,” he said.
Premier Oscar Mabuyane, speaking at another event on Sunday, said Siphuka had been brutally murdered and he lashed out at gender-based violence incidents.
Eastern Cape public safety department head Vuyani Mapolisa said there was a need to increase intelligence, establish community safety forums and revive street committees and community policing.
“The integrated approach to crime fighting strategies will strengthen the criminal justice system. Crime fighting needs everyone, not only police, but also the community and other stakeholders,” he said.
“In the case of Siphuka we are happy that there will be breakthrough soon. We will not rest until justice is served for the Siphuka family.”
Mapolisa said the Zingqolweni killings, where more than 10 people were murdered, needed more detective work.
“The Eastern Cape top brass led by provincial head of detectives Maj-Gen Zithulele Dladla is leading another high-powered team to strengthen the dedicated work that is already there. There are mysterious killings there and we should arrest the killer,” Mapolisa said.
DNA tests in the Zingqolweni case have been pending since February.
Siphuka’s mother, Vuyelwa Siphuka, said she hoped her daughter’s killer would soon be arrested.
“All I want is that the killers, and moreover the person who sent the killers, to be arrested,” she said.
DispatchLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.