Police investigating delay in DNA testing for Soweto family’s deceased member

Police investigating delay in DNA testing for Soweto family’s deceased member! Gauteng police are investigating delays in releasing pathology results after a family from Pennyville, Soweto, raised concerns about the protracted wait for DNA test outcomes linked to their missing brother’s burnt vehicle.

The family has been awaiting answers since December 2024 when the charred remains of a vehicle were discovered along the N17, between Rosettenville and City Deep. Inside the vehicle’s boot, authorities found human remains believed to be connected to their brother, Reitumetse Tikiso, but the DNA testing process has been fraught with delays.

Discovery of the Burnt Vehicle

On December 13, 2024, Reitumetse’s burnt car was discovered under a bridge. Family members were called to the scene and confirmed the car belonged to Tikiso. Upon inspection, human remains were found in the boot of the car, and police promptly took the remains for DNA testing to confirm their identity.

Concerns Over Delays

Despite the urgency of the matter, the family expressed frustration with the lack of progress. Mathota Tikiso, Reitumetse’s sister, revealed that while DNA samples were collected from another sibling for comparative analysis, they were only submitted to the forensic laboratory in January 2025, nearly a month after the car and remains were discovered.

“We have been waiting for the results since early December. It has been an agonizing wait for closure, and learning about the delayed submission only adds to our distress,” Mathota said.

Police Response

Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo, acknowledged the delay and emphasized that police management had taken steps to expedite the process after becoming aware of the issue.

“The docket has since been assigned to another officer for further investigation. The DNA samples were received by the forensic laboratory on January 10, 2025. An internal investigation is underway to determine the reason for the delay in the submission of the DNA,” Masondo said.

He assured the family that the results would be communicated to them as soon as they were ready.

Impact on the Family

The delay in obtaining the DNA results has left the Tikiso family in emotional limbo. For over a month, they have grappled with uncertainty, unable to confirm whether the remains are those of their brother. This lack of closure has made it difficult for them to process their grief or proceed with funeral arrangements.

The family’s situation highlights broader concerns about inefficiencies in the forensic system, which often lead to prolonged waiting periods for families seeking answers in criminal investigations.

Broader Implications

Delays in forensic processes, particularly DNA testing, are not uncommon in South Africa and have been a recurring point of contention. Overburdened forensic laboratories, a backlog of cases, and administrative lapses contribute to these delays, often leaving families in distress and investigations at a standstill.

The Tikiso case underscores the urgent need for systemic improvements to ensure timely delivery of forensic results. Advocates have called for increased investment in forensic services, better case management, and accountability measures to prevent similar delays in the future.

Ongoing Investigation

The internal police investigation into the delay in this case aims to identify gaps in the process and hold those responsible accountable. Assigning a new officer to the case and expediting the DNA analysis are steps in the right direction, but they also raise questions about why such measures were not implemented earlier.

Moving Forward

While the Gauteng police have promised to notify the Tikiso family as soon as the DNA results are ready, the family continues to wait for closure. This case serves as a reminder of the human cost of procedural delays and the importance of swift and efficient forensic investigations in providing justice and peace of mind to affected families.

As the investigation unfolds, the Tikiso family and others in similar situations hope that systemic changes will prevent such delays in the future.