Cachalia: 28 seized bags sent to forensic lab after Madlanga concerns

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has confirmed that 28 bags seized in a drug operation were transported to the Forensic Science Laboratory on 28 May 2026 for testing and analysis, and that the consignment is being stored in a secure facility in line with SAPS policy.

Parliamentary question prompted response

Cachalia was responding to a parliamentary question from ActionSA MP Dereleen James, who asked what steps the South African Police Service and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) had taken to ensure the seized consignment was not compromised.

Where the evidence is and how it is handled

According to Cachalia, the 28 bags were “transported from the crime scene to the Forensic Science Laboratory for forensic testing and analysis”. He said the consignment was “currently being stored in a secure lock-and-safe facility within the laboratory in accordance with the SAPS Exhibit Management Policy.”

Procedures and compliance

Cachalia outlined prescribed procedures intended to protect the integrity of evidence, including documented chain-of-custody records, secure packaging and storage, controlled transportation and regulated referrals for forensic analysis. He said the handling of the consignment had “complied with the applicable policy framework” and that “no compromise of the evidence has been identified.”

Lessons from the Madlanga Commission

Cachalia acknowledged that concerns raised before the Madlanga Commission about crime scene and exhibit management had been noted. He said the SAPS continued to enforce and strengthen compliance with Standing Orders, National Instructions and policies governing crime scene management, exhibit handling, storage and transportation.

Oversight and guidance

The minister said measures included “the continuous sensitisation and guidance of investigating officers on their responsibilities regarding exhibit management,” and that investigating officers, unit commanders and provincial heads provided ongoing oversight to ensure exhibits were correctly packaged, securely stored, properly documented and procedurally referred to the Forensic Science Laboratory.

“These measures are intended to maintain the integrity of evidence and to prevent the compromise of seized consignments and other exhibits,” Cachalia said.