South Africa’s forensic DNA system is experiencing a severe capacity crisis that threatens the integrity of criminal investigations and the delivery of justice. Recent parliamentary replies reveal an overwhelming backlog of 298,710 DNA exhibit entries, of which 228,017 exceed the prescribed 90 day processing period. Critical Crime Index samples—essential for prosecutions—are heavily affected, including thousands linked to rape, murder, and sexual offences against children. The average age of entries is approximately 800 days, with some samples delayed for more than three years. These delays undermine investigations, weaken prosecutorial cases, and prolong trauma for victims. The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls for an emergency national intervention, including regulated partnerships with accredited university laboratories, to expand DNA processing capacity and prevent further erosion of justice.