THE Zambian government has commissioned Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) analysis machine under the theme “turn back crime”.
The Equipment was procured as a cost of K2.4 million and is in line with government’s vision and commitment to equip all government investigative wings.
Minister of Home Affairs Davies Mwila commissioned the DNA analysis machine on behalf of President Edgar Lungu.
He said the DNA analysis machine will play a critical role to deal with new crime trends in the 21st century.
Mr Lungu said “the interest of my government is to ensure that law enforcement officers requiring DNA evidence are served quickly in order to ensure that courts of law dispose off cases without delay”.
He said urged the inspector general of police to utilise the valuable resource to ensure timely analysis of samples and placement into a DNA data base of all cases analysed and results posted.
He also implored the high command and officer’s rank and file to look after the valuable and precious equipment properly by ensuring that it is regularly serviced.
Mr Lungu said only qualified officers should have access to the machine, abuse will not be tolerated.
He said he was aware that the police have a serious limited office space at police headquarters because administration and operational officers are accommodated there.
Mr Lungu said his government will therefore ensure the completion of the national forensic laboratory in Lusaka west in order to alleviate office space challenges.
He said his government has engaged Zamchin Construction Company limited to commence construction works of the national forensic laboratory situated in Lusaka West.
Mr Lungu said the project which will gobble the sum of K 115, 142,939.80 is expected to be completed in six months.