Police Address Concerns Over Expired Rape Kits

The Minister of Police has responded to parliamentary questions regarding the disposal of expired forensic evidence kits.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Sex Crimes

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a sterile medical container, rendered in navy and cream, representing forensic integrity and evidence management policy. — South African police are managing the disposal of expired forensic kits, as expired evidence could undermine sexual offense trials in criminal court. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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South African authorities are managing the disposal of expired rape kits after concerns were raised about their validity in criminal proceedings. Medical professionals may refuse to use these kits as their sterility cannot be guaranteed past the manufacturer's date.

Why it matters

The use of expired evidence collection kits can lead to successful legal challenges against crucial evidence in sexual offence trials. Ensuring kit sterility is vital for maintaining the integrity of forensic investigations across the country.

Expired kits are incinerated as medical waste under National Instruction 6 of 2018. The South African Police Service manages inventory levels through unit redistribution and emergency procurement.

The players

South African Police Service

The national police force responsible for law enforcement and the management of forensic evidence collection units.

South African Health Products Regulatory Authority

The regulatory body that oversees the safety and quality standards of medical products in South Africa.

The details

Units like those in Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal, report kit availability weekly to manage stock levels. Expired kits are removed from circulation because their sterility is not guaranteed, which could compromise evidence in court.

2018 marked the issuance of National Instruction 6 regarding medical waste disposal.
2022 saw the conclusion of the previous national procurement contract.

Legal Context

The disposal of expired evidence kits follows established waste management protocols mandated by National Instruction 6 of 2018. This regulatory framework ensures that medical supplies which no longer meet sterility standards are removed from the police inventory to prevent legal challenges.

The management of these kits ensures that forensic evidence collected in investigations remains admissible in court proceedings. Residents in areas like Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal, benefit from the oversight of inventory levels which helps maintain consistent availability of testing materials.

The takeaway

Maintaining sterile evidence kits is a critical component of the judicial process for sexual offence cases. Authorities are currently working to finalize a new three-year contract to ensure a steady supply of valid testing equipment.