• New Forensic building remains incomplete after a decade of being under construction • Out of Service Life DNA Analysis equipment threaten rape and murder case integrity • BPS spent P110m via Direct Appointment on Luxury Jet Amidst budget constraints * BPS Forensic Laboratory processes are consistent with international standards - Bagali
An investigation by this Publication into the Botswana Police Service (BPS) has raised alarming concerns about the state of their Forensic Science Services (FSS).
It reveals a potentially catastrophic failure in the justice system due to the use of outdated and decrepit forensic analysis equipment and protocols of chain of custody.
Sources have brought to light that critical forensic DNA analysis equipment, integral to solving crimes and ensuring justice, have long surpassed their service life, casting a dark shadow over the reliability of evidence used in courtrooms across Botswana.
The BPS's reliance on these antiquated tools not only questions the integrity of forensic outcomes but also exposes a gaping hole in the leadership's commitment to criminal justice reform and
technological advancement.
The use of such equipment is a ticking time bomb with severe legal implications. Legal experts warn that the continued employment of outdated forensic technologies could lead to a significant increase in wrongful convictions or the dismissal of critical evidence in serious criminal cases, undermining public trust in the legal system.
The BPS's failure to modernise their forensic tools may not only result in faulty analysis but could also make a mockery of justice by allowing criminals to walk free or the innocent to be imprisoned.
“The continued use of these obsolete equipment not only undermines the accuracy of forensic outcomes but also poses a significant threat to the fairness of trials,” an anonymous expert at the forensic department said.
This sentiment is shared by a legal scholar who pointed out that the implications go beyond individual cases, affecting the broader perception of justice in Botswana.
“Each error attributed to faulty forensic analysis chips away at the legitimacy of our justice system. What we need is a commitment from the top to revamp and modernise our forensic capabilities,” they added.
Moreover, the potential for outdated equipment to lead to erroneous judicial decisions, is another major concern.
“Imagine being convicted for a crime you didn’t commit, all because the forensic analysis was flawed. This isn’t just a hypothetical scenario; it’s a real risk with outdated equipment,” the legal expert continued.
In what has become a symbol of administrative failure and neglect, the construction of the new forensics building in Village remains incomplete after nearly a decade. Originally awarded to China Jiangsu, the project was halted by the previous regime for political reasons and has since been a stagnant emblem of inefficiency.
“The building was supposed to be a state-of-the-art facility that could have propelled Botswana to the forefront of forensic science in the region," an anonymous source familiar with the project said.
"Instead, it stands as a testament to missed opportunities and a leadership that fails to recognise its strategic importance."
The failure to complete this crucial project not only reflects poorly on the administrative capabilities of those in charge but also directly impacts the effectiveness and efficiency of crime-solving in the country.
As the building gathers dust, so does the potential for advancing forensic science under a roof designed to nurture precision and accuracy. Compounding the infrastructure woes are the dire conditions of the equipment itself, particularly the genetic sequencers used by the Forensic Police.
These machines, crucial for analysing DNA samples in cases of rape, murder, and other violent crimes, have passed their service life, yet they continue to be used. Genetic sequencers decode DNA strands to create genetic profiles that are pivotal in identifying suspects or exonerating the innocent.
"Using outdated sequencers increases the risk of erroneous results, such as misidentification or incomplete genetic profiles, which could disastrously lead to wrongful convictions or the real perpetrators evading justice," the forensic expert explained.
"Utilising obsolete forensic equipment increases the risk of technical errors, as older machines often lack the sensitivity required to detect and analyse minute quantities of genetic material accurately.
“This deficiency can lead to significant discrepancies in DNA profiling, potentially causing incomplete or misleading results. Such inaccuracies are critical in forensic science, where the precision of genetic analysis directly influences the outcome of criminal investigations.
“The failure to capture subtle genetic markers can result in misidentification or wrongful convictions, turning minor equipment malfunctions into life-altering errors.
“This not only compromises individual cases but fundamentally undermines the trust and reliability of the judicial system," the expert detailed. In the delicate realm of forensic analysis, particularly in heinous crimes like rape and murder, the accuracy of DNA sequencing is paramount. The continued use of outdated equipment is not just a failure of equipment management; it's a gamble with human lives and justice.
Another critical area where BPS Forensics is falling short is in its management of the chain of custody for evidence. Proper storage and access control to samples are foundational to preserving their integrity and ensuring reliable forensic analysis.
Yet, at BPS, these protocols are inadequately enforced due to lack of infrastructure.
"International standards for forensic science demand rigorous controls over how evidence is stored and who accesses it to prevent contamination or tampering," an anonymous expert at the forensic department stated.
"The lack of such controls due to sufficient infrastructure and CCTV at FSS not only undermines the credibility of the evidence but also violates basic principles of forensic science."
The implications of these lapses are severe. Every mishandled piece of evidence could mean a miscarriage of justice, where the guilty walk free, and the innocent suffer.
It casts a long shadow over the reliability of the outcomes produced by the BPS Forensic Services and raises serious questions about their adherence to international forensic standards. Legal ramifications of employing such antiquated equipment are profound. According to legal experts, evidence processed through outdated systems could be challenged in court, potentially leading to its dismissal.
“When key evidence is thrown out due to questionable forensic practices, the whole case can fall apart, which not only derails the judicial process but also erodes public trust in our criminal justice system,” a senior attorney explained. The cumulative effect of these issues—unfinished infrastructure, outdated equipment, and compromised evidence handling—paints a grim picture of a forensic service in disarray.
This is not merely a matter of updating equipment or completing a building project; it is about a systemic overhaul and a cultural shift towards accountability and excellence in forensic science, experts have argued. An anonymous police official suggested that budget constraints and bureaucratic delays often hamper updates and maintenance schedules.
“We are constantly caught between the need for advanced technology and the reality of fiscal limitations. However, it’s crucial that we find a way to prioritise forensic technology to maintain the credibility of our investigations,” the official stated.
It is especially concerning to learn that while the Botswana Police Service (BPS) grapples with severely outdated forensic technology, funds seem readily available for other expenditures that do not directly benefit public safety or judicial accuracy.
BPS spent an astounding P110 million for a luxury private jet for its leadership, sourced through a direct appointment from Absolute Aviation. This report calls into question the leadership's priorities and their commitment to justice.
Reached for comment the Botswana Police Services have denied their Forensic Science Equipment has its service life. "This is not true," said Assistant Commissioner of Police, Near Bagali is a written response to this publication.
The truth, according to Bagali is that, the BPS Forensic Laboratory uses current and automated equipment that meets international standards to conduct forensic analysis. "As a matter of fact and principle, the BPS Forensic Laboratory processes are consistent with international standards and best practices, and serve as a reference for other laboratories in the region," he said.
It reveals a potentially catastrophic failure in the justice system due to the use of outdated and decrepit forensic analysis equipment and protocols of chain of custody.
Sources have brought to light that critical forensic DNA analysis equipment, integral to solving crimes and ensuring justice, have long surpassed their service life, casting a dark shadow over the reliability of evidence used in courtrooms across Botswana.
The BPS's reliance on these antiquated tools not only questions the integrity of forensic outcomes but also exposes a gaping hole in the leadership's commitment to criminal justice reform and
technological advancement.
The use of such equipment is a ticking time bomb with severe legal implications. Legal experts warn that the continued employment of outdated forensic technologies could lead to a significant increase in wrongful convictions or the dismissal of critical evidence in serious criminal cases, undermining public trust in the legal system.
The BPS's failure to modernise their forensic tools may not only result in faulty analysis but could also make a mockery of justice by allowing criminals to walk free or the innocent to be imprisoned.
“The continued use of these obsolete equipment not only undermines the accuracy of forensic outcomes but also poses a significant threat to the fairness of trials,” an anonymous expert at the forensic department said.
This sentiment is shared by a legal scholar who pointed out that the implications go beyond individual cases, affecting the broader perception of justice in Botswana.
“Each error attributed to faulty forensic analysis chips away at the legitimacy of our justice system. What we need is a commitment from the top to revamp and modernise our forensic capabilities,” they added.
Moreover, the potential for outdated equipment to lead to erroneous judicial decisions, is another major concern.
“Imagine being convicted for a crime you didn’t commit, all because the forensic analysis was flawed. This isn’t just a hypothetical scenario; it’s a real risk with outdated equipment,” the legal expert continued.
In what has become a symbol of administrative failure and neglect, the construction of the new forensics building in Village remains incomplete after nearly a decade. Originally awarded to China Jiangsu, the project was halted by the previous regime for political reasons and has since been a stagnant emblem of inefficiency.
“The building was supposed to be a state-of-the-art facility that could have propelled Botswana to the forefront of forensic science in the region," an anonymous source familiar with the project said.
"Instead, it stands as a testament to missed opportunities and a leadership that fails to recognise its strategic importance."
The failure to complete this crucial project not only reflects poorly on the administrative capabilities of those in charge but also directly impacts the effectiveness and efficiency of crime-solving in the country.
As the building gathers dust, so does the potential for advancing forensic science under a roof designed to nurture precision and accuracy. Compounding the infrastructure woes are the dire conditions of the equipment itself, particularly the genetic sequencers used by the Forensic Police.
These machines, crucial for analysing DNA samples in cases of rape, murder, and other violent crimes, have passed their service life, yet they continue to be used. Genetic sequencers decode DNA strands to create genetic profiles that are pivotal in identifying suspects or exonerating the innocent.
"Using outdated sequencers increases the risk of erroneous results, such as misidentification or incomplete genetic profiles, which could disastrously lead to wrongful convictions or the real perpetrators evading justice," the forensic expert explained.
"Utilising obsolete forensic equipment increases the risk of technical errors, as older machines often lack the sensitivity required to detect and analyse minute quantities of genetic material accurately.
“This deficiency can lead to significant discrepancies in DNA profiling, potentially causing incomplete or misleading results. Such inaccuracies are critical in forensic science, where the precision of genetic analysis directly influences the outcome of criminal investigations.
“The failure to capture subtle genetic markers can result in misidentification or wrongful convictions, turning minor equipment malfunctions into life-altering errors.
“This not only compromises individual cases but fundamentally undermines the trust and reliability of the judicial system," the expert detailed. In the delicate realm of forensic analysis, particularly in heinous crimes like rape and murder, the accuracy of DNA sequencing is paramount. The continued use of outdated equipment is not just a failure of equipment management; it's a gamble with human lives and justice.
Another critical area where BPS Forensics is falling short is in its management of the chain of custody for evidence. Proper storage and access control to samples are foundational to preserving their integrity and ensuring reliable forensic analysis.
Yet, at BPS, these protocols are inadequately enforced due to lack of infrastructure.
"International standards for forensic science demand rigorous controls over how evidence is stored and who accesses it to prevent contamination or tampering," an anonymous expert at the forensic department stated.
"The lack of such controls due to sufficient infrastructure and CCTV at FSS not only undermines the credibility of the evidence but also violates basic principles of forensic science."
The implications of these lapses are severe. Every mishandled piece of evidence could mean a miscarriage of justice, where the guilty walk free, and the innocent suffer.
It casts a long shadow over the reliability of the outcomes produced by the BPS Forensic Services and raises serious questions about their adherence to international forensic standards. Legal ramifications of employing such antiquated equipment are profound. According to legal experts, evidence processed through outdated systems could be challenged in court, potentially leading to its dismissal.
“When key evidence is thrown out due to questionable forensic practices, the whole case can fall apart, which not only derails the judicial process but also erodes public trust in our criminal justice system,” a senior attorney explained. The cumulative effect of these issues—unfinished infrastructure, outdated equipment, and compromised evidence handling—paints a grim picture of a forensic service in disarray.
This is not merely a matter of updating equipment or completing a building project; it is about a systemic overhaul and a cultural shift towards accountability and excellence in forensic science, experts have argued. An anonymous police official suggested that budget constraints and bureaucratic delays often hamper updates and maintenance schedules.
“We are constantly caught between the need for advanced technology and the reality of fiscal limitations. However, it’s crucial that we find a way to prioritise forensic technology to maintain the credibility of our investigations,” the official stated.
It is especially concerning to learn that while the Botswana Police Service (BPS) grapples with severely outdated forensic technology, funds seem readily available for other expenditures that do not directly benefit public safety or judicial accuracy.
BPS spent an astounding P110 million for a luxury private jet for its leadership, sourced through a direct appointment from Absolute Aviation. This report calls into question the leadership's priorities and their commitment to justice.
Reached for comment the Botswana Police Services have denied their Forensic Science Equipment has its service life. "This is not true," said Assistant Commissioner of Police, Near Bagali is a written response to this publication.
The truth, according to Bagali is that, the BPS Forensic Laboratory uses current and automated equipment that meets international standards to conduct forensic analysis. "As a matter of fact and principle, the BPS Forensic Laboratory processes are consistent with international standards and best practices, and serve as a reference for other laboratories in the region," he said.
