Captain Solomon Modisane, an SAPS ballistics expert, told the Madlanga Commission that while SAPS takes about 30 days to complete a ballistics analysis, the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) does the same work in just three days, maximum.

Testifying before the commission on Tuesday, Modisane said members of the PKTT were known for their relentless work ethic.

“We will work until it’s late,” he said.

His remarks came after co-commissioner Adv. Sandile Khumalo asked about the turnaround time for ballistic analysis and whether such speed was typical within SAPS.

Khumalo further asked whether this was unique to the PKTT or normal in the SAPS.

“It was unique,” Modisane replied.

“Our normal turnaround time in ballistics analysis is 30 days, if I am not mistaken, to finish a case. But in the PKTT, we made our own turnaround time — three days, maximum. It’s based on my experience, commissioners.”

On Monday, IOL reported that SAPS ballistics expert, Brig. Mishak Mkhabela, revealed that about 41,846 criminal cases remain stuck in the forensic pipeline due to staff shortages.

Mkhabela painted a picture of a system buckling under pressure — crippled by staff shortages, insufficient resources, and overflowing evidence storage facilities.

“We have repurposed a museum, and even that is full,” he said, referring to the desperate measures taken to store seized firearms.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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