Deputy Minister Seiso Mohai undertakes monitoring and oversight visit to Gauteng Forensic Chemistry Laboratories, 10 Sep
The Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr Seiso Mohai, will undertake a monitoring and oversight visit to the two Gauteng-based Forensic Chemistry Laboratories (FCLs) on 10 September 2026.
The visit forms part of the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation's (DPME) ongoing efforts to monitor the implementation of government priorities and assess the effectiveness of public services that are critical to the functioning of the criminal justice system and the broader public health sector.
The purpose of the visit is to review progress made in improving service delivery at the laboratories, obtain first-hand insight into operational challenges, including existing case backlogs, and engage on interventions that are being implemented to address these challenges. The visit will also explore the support required from the health sector and government institutions to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the laboratories.
Managed by the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), a public entity of the National Department of Health, the Forensic Chemistry Laboratories play a critical role in providing specialised scientific services that support law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, forensic pathology services and local authorities.
Among other responsibilities, the laboratories:
- Conduct blood alcohol analyses on ante-mortem and post-mortem specimens;
- Perform toxicological analyses to determine causes of death by examining biological fluids, organs and physical exhibits collected at scenes of death; and
- Test food products and cosmetic items to ensure compliance with relevant standards and legislation.
The laboratories provide services to key stakeholders, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), provincial Forensic Pathology Services and local government authorities.
The oversight visit follows the NHLS announcement of 19 August 2025 regarding the implementation of a targeted strategic initiative aimed at reducing the toxicology case backlog by 50 per cent through investments in infrastructure, technology and human resources. The initiative seeks to improve turnaround times for toxicology results and strengthen the overall performance of forensic services in South Africa.
Members of the media are invited to join the Deputy Minister at oversight visit as follows:
First Session
Date: 10 September 2026
Venue: Pretoria Forensic Chemistry Laboratory
Time: 09h00 - 12h00
Second Session
Date: 10 September 2026
Venue: Johannesburg Forensic Chemistry Laboratory
Time: 14h00 - 15h30
For confirmation of attendance and enquiries related to the Office of the Deputy Minister, kindly contact Ms Xoliswa Salman on 066 305 7718 or email Xoliswa.Salman@dpme.gov.za by end of business on 9 September 2026.
For Media enquiries related to the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, kindly contact Mr Thomas Nkosi on 079 907 9016 or email: TomNkosi@dpme.gov.za.
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