Gauteng police investigating delay in DNA testing for Soweto family's deceased member
This follows complaints from a family in Pennyville, Soweto, who said they have been waiting too long for the results of a DNA test on the remains which were found in their brother’s burnt car.
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JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng police are investigating the delay in releasing pathology results after complaints from a family in Pennyville, Soweto.
The family said they have been waiting too long for the results of a DNA test on the remains found in their brother’s burnt car.
They have been waiting for the outcome of the results since early December when the car was found on N17.
Reitumetse Tikiso’s burnt car was found between Rosettenville and City Deep under a bridge on 13 December 2024.
Family members who were called to the scene said they found human remains in the boot of the car which were taken for DNA testing.
Reitumetse’s sister, Mathota, said they discovered DNA samples were taken from another sibling but were only submitted to the forensic laboratory two weeks ago.
Provincial police spokesperson Mavela Masondo said after police management was made aware of the issue, a DNA analysis was expedited.
“The docket has since been given to another officer for further investigation. The samples were received by the forensic laboratory on the 10th of January 2025. Internal investigation is underway to determine the reason for the delay in the submission of the DNA.”
Masondo added that the family would be notified once the results are ready.