DODOMA: THE Government Chemist Laboratory Agency (GCLA) Central Zone Manager, Mr Gerald Mollel has urged authorities responsible for handling forensic evidence to exercise the utmost care and precision.
He said that forensic evidence requires proper collection, transportation and storage, stressing that errors in handling could lead to inaccurate results, ultimately jeopardising justice for both complainants and suspects.
Mr Mollel made the remarks during a stakeholder training session in Dodoma, recently.
The event brought together over 150 participants, including police officers, medical doctors, prosecutors, magistrates, officials from the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) and social welfare officers.
Mr Mollel stated that the training aimed to educate stakeholders on proper sample handling procedures to ensure accurate forensic results and uphold justice in courts of law.
He emphasised the importance of understanding critical processes such as collection, storage and transportation to maintain the integrity of evidence.
“The goal of this training is to strengthen forensic processes for a safer and more reliable justice system. Prosecutors and magistrates must understand the procedures followed by forensic experts to appreciate the chain of custody from sample collection to results,” he explained.
Commissioner for Scientific Services, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP), Theopista Malya, highlighted the need for professionalism and expertise in handling forensic samples.
She urged stakeholders in the criminal justice chain to work collaboratively and diligently to ensure credible evidence is presented in court.
“The Criminal Procedure Act and the Human DNA Act empower healthcare workers and police officers to collect and submit forensic samples to the GCLA. Adhering to proper investigative protocols is essential for ensuring conclusive and reliable evidence,” SACP Malya noted.
Resident Magistrate Timothy Lyon from Mpwapwa District Court advised investigators to be meticulous from the initial stages of evidence collection, stressing that poorly handled evidence can undermine entire cases.
GCLA Laboratory Manager Mr Fidelis Bugoye underscored the critical role of DNA samples in addressing medical, social, and criminal justice challenges.
He noted that the training aimed to equip stakeholders with the knowledge to interpret forensic findings effectively.
Dodoma Regional Prosecutor Mr Paschal Marungu praised the initiative, highlighting its significance in bridging gaps in evidence handling and ensuring justice for complex crimes such as murder and sexual offences.
