Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, says Forensic Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Laboratory handled over 400 cases in 2025, with sexual offences accounting for 88 percent of criminal matters.
Principal Public Relations Officer Mwala Kalaluka said of the 400 cases, 303 cases were criminal, while 147 were non-criminal.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with ZANIS, Mr Kalaluka stressed that the laboratory successfully analysed 299 cases, representing 66.4 percent of all cases, resulting in the generation of 1,463 DNA samples.
He explained that 167 criminal cases out of the 303 were analysed while 136 remain pending mainly due to delays in submitting reference samples for DNA comparison.
For non-criminal cases, 132 out of 147 cases were analysed, comprising 9 humanitarian cases.
Mr Kalaluka said all completed DNA profiles are uploaded into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) to support investigations.
He noted that despite challenges such as delayed sample submissions, limited technical staff and storage capacity, the laboratory maintained a strong output.
Mr Kalaluka added that measures to improve the handling of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases included providing transport for law enforcement, distributing 1,261 sexual assault kits nationwide and training medical officers in proper evidence handling.
Only!! With so much crime in a nation of 30 million? Stop patting yourselves behind the back and work on crime. Not political cases of chameleons being arrested bishops being targeted, Mumbi Phiri being harassed but murders still going on and no breakthrough investigations.