Ausi

MINISTER FAILS TO CONFIRM DNA ANALYSIS PROGRESS IN 12 EKURHULENI MURDER CASES The Acting Minister of Police has failed to provide clarity on the progress of DNA analysis linked to 12 murder cases in Ekurhuleni, raising concerns about delays and accountability within the South African Police Service (SAPS) Forensic Science Laboratory. The issue was highlighted by MP Ian Cameron, Chair of the Police Portfolio Committee. who questioned the Minister about forensic exhibits connected to the murder investigations and whether the necessary DNA analysis had been completed. In his parliamentary response, the Acting Minister indicated that the total number of exhibits still awaiting analysis was “not readily available” from the Forensic Science Laboratory. The response also failed to provide details about when the exhibits were received, how long they had been waiting for analysis or when the outstanding forensic work was expected to be completed. Instead, the Minister stated that accurate reporting would only be provided once the entire analysis had been completed, promising accountability at an “opportune interval”. Cameron has criticised the response, describing it as unacceptable, particularly given the seriousness of the murder investigations and the importance of forensic evidence in securing convictions. He said Parliament had been left without sufficient information to establish what work had been completed, what remained outstanding and whether the investigations were progressing with the urgency required. While acknowledging the sensitivity of DNA evidence and the need to protect ongoing investigations, Cameron questioned why SAPS could not provide an aggregate progress report or arrange an appropriate confidential briefing. He also raised concerns about whether the information was available but being withheld, or whether SAPS was unable to produce an accurate account of the outstanding forensic work. Cameron is now calling on the Minister to provide a dated progress report detailing the analysis completed, the exhibits still awaiting examination, their current stage of processing and the reasons for any delays. He further wants expected completion dates and the identification of the senior official responsible for ensuring that the forensic work is finalised. Where information cannot be made public because of investigative sensitivities, Cameron says the Minister should explain the specific concerns and arrange a confidential briefing with a fixed reporting date. The controversy places renewed focus on the capacity and efficiency of SAPS forensic laboratories, particularly the role DNA evidence plays in complex murder investigations. Families affected by these cases deserve answers, while Parliament must be able to hold the police service accountable for delays that could affect the progress of investigations and the pursuit of justice. Cameron insists that accountability cannot be postponed until all forensic analysis has been completed. @IanCameron23

SEARCH UPDATE | JAN OBakeng MOKONYANE | HARTBEESPOORT DAM Via Environment Campaigner: Today, I tried to contact the Hartbeespoort Marine Law Enforcement Unit to check on the ongoing search for Jan Obakeng Mokonyane, who has been missing since the boat capsized on 25 October 2026. I was informed that the teams have searched several areas, unfortunately without success so far. They also explained that six boats were secured in the water hyacinth last night. The thick hyacinth makes it extremely difficult for boats to move through certain areas. There is also concern that Jan’s body could be trapped underneath the extensive water hyacinth. The team continues to use drones daily to monitor and search different areas. They also hope that birds might help draw attention to something in the water. Meanwhile, there are people working to remove the water hyacinth. However, it is important that the search continues alongside these removal efforts, with care taken to ensure that machinery does not harm or overlook anything that could assist in finding Jan. This is heartbreaking for Jan’s family and everyone involved in the search. We can only hope that something positive comes out of these ongoing efforts and that his family can finally get answers. Let us continue to pray for Jan Obakeng Mokonyane and his family.

Protest at Diepkloof interchange: JHB- motorist making u-turns facing on coming joining N1 North at N1/N12 split.