English
Kinyarwanda
The ministries of Justice and Internal Security and Rwanda National Police met on July 9 to fast-track the establishment of an ultra-modern 'National Forensic Laboratory' to further support the country's judicial services.
Testimony or witnesses is currently the most prevalent form of evidence in courts of law and the establishment of the facility to be situated at Kacyiru Police Hospital is seen as an answer to challenges of lack of sufficient scientific evidence.
The government also spends millions of money to carry out tests abroad, most of them in Europe.
The meeting was held at the RNP headquarters and attended by Ministers Johnston Busingye of Justice and Sheikh Musa Fazil Harelimana of Internal Security, IGP Emmanuel K. Gasana among others.
Minister Busigye thanked the RNP for a resourceful idea to have this facility in place.
"This is a commendable step to have a national forensic referral centre to serve and satisfy scientific evidence needs all Rwandans," Minister Busingye said.
The forensic laboratory is expected to be operational early next year.
The current scientific laboratory - Kigali Forensic Laboratory - conducts only DNA sampling, document examination and fingerprint analysis.
Once complete, the new multi-million dollar laboratory will offer about ten forensic disciplines including DNA, toxicology and ballistics.
Toxicology is a test done on a person who, for instance, was poisoned while ballistics are tests that involve arms and explosives.
With the new facility, it means that even an ordinary Rwandan can also attain cheaper forensic services locally.
The Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel K. Gasana said the force introduced forensic science and criminology courses at the National Police College in Musanze district to equip its officers with skills in forensic science.
