The police’s new forensic laboratory in Mayville, KwaZulu-Natal, has been officially opened. (Photo: SA Police)
A new forensic science laboratory in Mayville, KwaZulu-Natal, has been officially handed over to the police.
The new laboratory is aimed at strengthening the police’s forensic capabilities, speeding up turnaround times in the processing of evidence and strengthening the fight against crime.
The police’s new forensic laboratory in Mayville, KwaZulu-Natal, has been officially opened. (Photo: SA Police)
Dr. Polly Boshielo, deputy minister of police, said at the launch that the facility is a symbol of the unwavering commitment to justice, a professional public service and the safety and security of all citizens. “The facility is part of a larger strategy to modernize policing, restore public trust and ensure that justice is not delayed, because justice delayed is justice denied.”
The laboratory must significantly strengthen the capacity to respond to priority crime such as violent crime, gender-based violence, femicide, organized crime and drug-related cases.
Awesome to have been able to attend today’s handover of the brand new South African Police Service forensic science lab in Mayville, Durban.
Congratulations to the team from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and the SAPS with this huge milestone.
I am… pic.twitter.com/5sx2saGjPW
— Ian Cameron (@IanCameron23) April 17, 2026
“Let this laboratory be a center where science and justice meet, evidence carries authority and the truth prevails,” said Boshielo.
Lt. Col. Amanda van Wyk, national police spokesperson, says the police are confident that the facility will make a significant and lasting contribution in the fight against crime, while promoting the vision of a safer South Africa for all.
The police have repeatedly come under fire in recent years due to enormous backlogs in the forensic processing of evidence. This includes everything from ballistics tests to evidence in rape cases.