By: Xolani Khumalo
Action Society says forensic backlogs continue to delay justice for victims and families across South Africa.
The long-awaited trial of Stephan Pretorius accused of the brutal murder of his 42-year-old wife Charlene was expected to begin in the High Court in Pretoria on Monday.
However, proceedings were postponed after the defence claimed they could not continue without an outstanding toxicology report.
Action Society’s Juanita du Preez says victims deserve a functioning justice system that works for them.
“Forensic backlogs like this are a national crisis, denying victims their right to justice. Private and public partnerships could resolve this problem within months. There are qualified laboratories and experts ready to assist yet red tape and paralysis keep the system frozen,” says du Preez.
