DA MPs claim there are no rape kits available in the Western Cape and have raised concerns that police investigations into sexual offences may be compromised.
This is after DA MP, Nicholas Gotsell, and the chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, on Tuesday conducted an unannounced oversight visit at the storehouses of the SAPS Provincial Supply Chain in Epping.
They claim they found empty racks where the kits (used to examine victims of sexual assault) should be.
Gotsell took to social media after the visit, describing the situation as a “major forensic crisis” and questioned whether this is part of a national issue.
“They fall under national supply chain management of SAPoliceService and there seems to be a major crisis at Silverton supply chain office in Pretoria,” said Gotsell.
Cameron said they were informed of a delay in stock delivery.
“Not only did provincial supply chain management show us the empty shelves, they explained how they have been waiting for stock for several months from national supply chain management in Pretoria,” said Cameron.
In a formal statement, Gotsell further noted that a requisition had been submitted on 14 November but that “National SAPS Supply Chain Management failed to deliver a single kit”.
He said it was “utterly disgraceful” that sexual assault evidence collection kits, “the most basic tool required to investigate, prosecute and convict rapists”, were allegedly unavailable as the country marked the final days of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.
ALSO READ: ‘Silence is not an option’: Activists sound the alarm as 16 days of activism begins – Smile 90.4FM
However, in response to the claims, the Western Cape SAPS firmly rejected these allegations. A provincial spokesperson, Colonel Andre Traut, said there is “a sufficient supply”, adding that investigations into sexual offences are not negatively affected by a shortage.
“These kits are disposable items that must be regularly replenished. As stock is systematically used, we take proactive measures to ensure an uninterrupted supply, including supplementing stock from neighbouring stations when a unit runs short,” said Traut.
Traut stressed that SAPS would not allow stock shortages to undermine investigations, adding that gender-based violence and sexual crimes remain a top priority for police in the province.
“Under no circumstances would stock shortages hinder our commitment to pursuing these offences with the full force of the law.”
