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According to reports, there is a national shortage of blood/alcohol testing kits in KwaZulu-Natal. This is prior to the festive season, a time of year when such products are required. However, the SAPS have affirmed this will be remedied prior to the December rush.
Due to the impact on police stations, Newcastillian News spoke with SAPS National Spokesperson Colonel Athienda Mathe who pointed out that the SAPS were informed that there is a global shortage of vials, an important component of the test kit.
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“To this end, the SAPS has met with the supplier responsible for delivering alcohol blood kits and we can confirm that the vials were received by the supplier,” assured Colonel Mathe.
The vials are apparently now being tested to determine if they meet the necessary requirements. Additionally, the Colonel said that the SAPS should be expecting delivery by end of November.
Furthermore, she stated that despite this challenge, the SAPS management was working around the clock to ensure that it had the necessary tools and resources to prevent, combat and investigate drunken driving cases.
“In the absence of these kits, blood is drawn from suspects to test the alcohol levels in the blood, the sample is then taken to the Department of Health for further processing, a report is then released which will be utilised before a court of law,” Colonel Mathe said.
As the SAPS now addresses the issue, what are your thoughts on the above-mentioned? Share your views in the comment section below.
