Premier Thami Ntuli launches new Mayville forensic facility to speed up justice

The South African Police Service’s forensic laboratory in KwaZulu-Natal is set to become fully operational following the official handover of a newly built facility in Mayville, Durban, on Friday.

The Department of Public Works delivered the purpose-built site to replace the previous facility in Amanzimtoti, which had become only partially operational due to chronic flooding. A second building in Durban had also presented multiple logistical challenges, further hindering the province's forensic capabilities.

The new laboratory is expected to be a game-changer for the provincial justice system. By centralising operations in a modern environment, the facility aims to drastically reduce the DNA testing backlog—a critical bottleneck in resolving and finalising criminal cases.

Speaking at today’s launch, KZN Premier Thami Ntuli emphasised that the facility will improve both the speed and accuracy of forensic analysis, providing a much-needed boost to SAPS's investigative power.

"For the people of KwaZulu-Natal, especially the victims of crime, this is a moment of renewal," said Ntuli. "It affirms that their pain has not gone unseen, that their calls for justice have not gone unheard. For far too long, delays in forensic processing have weakened cases and eroded confidence. Today, we say no more."

The operationalisation of the Mayville lab marks a significant step in restoring public trust and ensuring that forensic evidence is processed efficiently to secure convictions.