Speaker, the ANC welcomes the opening of a world-class, state- of-the-art forensic science laboratory in Cape Town on 17 July 2012.
This laboratory, one of four South African Police Service laboratories, will serve the Western Cape, Northern Cape and a section of the Eastern Cape. Through this intervention, the ANC government seeks to minimise the number of backlog cases within our criminal justice system. The opening of this laboratory is a quantum leap in the ANC's commitment effectively to fight serious and violent crimes as it will empower our forensic science experts.
The Plattekloof Forensic Science Laboratory has made South Africa a world- class leader in the field of criminal forensic investigations.
The ANC congratulates the Minister on this achievement. We believe that the proper use of this state-of-the-art facility will significantly contribute to an increase in convictions. I thank you.