The Portfolio Committee on Police has concluded its public hearings on the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill.
The Committee is pleased that various stakeholders said that the new version of the Bill showed a vast improvement on the previous version. Although some stakeholders had raised concerns with aspects of the Bill, they were generally in support of the Bill.
The Committee welcomed presentations from diverse stakeholders who took time to express their views. Among concerns raised by stakeholders was the fact that the Bill was silent on familial searches pertaining to the allowance or disallowance thereof. The Committee also raised concerns regarding what seemed to be a misalignment of various pieces of relevant legislation.
Key concerns have been raised on the Information Technology (IT) support to the Bill and this is regarded as the “make or break” of the Bill if the IT support is not available to properly implement the Bill upon enactment.
The Committee will also look into the issue of oversight and ethics regarding the Bill and will further consider the degree of independence it afforded to the Forensic Oversight Board. The Committee further indicated that a possible complaints mechanism will be considered during deliberations.
The Committee is of the view that the Bill will be an important tool in criminal investigations. The Committee will start with deliberations on the Bill next week.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Acting Chairperson, please contact:
Kanyisa Ndyondya
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8041
Cell: 083 624 0585
Email: kndyondya@parliament.gov.za
