There is no longer any doubt that DNA tests have become an essential element in our police criminal enquiries. Two suspects that public opinion has already convicted could be exonerated from the rapes for which they have been provisionally charged. Marcellin Azie led the investigators to the scene of the crime and seemed to know everything about Nadine Dantier’s rape and murder – we have declared him guilty. Nicolas Ste-Marie was identified by Nadège Chouat as her attacker – we have judged him too.

However, it seems that the DNA tests in both cases could prove us wrong. The conclusion we have to draw from this is clear.

On the one hand, DNA tests should become the rule as it has been proved that – if preliminary reports are confirmed of course – this test could avoid a gross miscarriage of justice. Confession and identification are no longer foolproof techniques for conviction. The DNA test is, on the other hand, 99% reliable provided the forensic team knows how to take the samples according to specific procedures. Such a process is so sensitive that it can distort the results.

In addition, is no longer acceptable to wait so long for the results. The rapes were perpetrated more than one year ago in one case and eleven months in the other. Is it only now, that the results are here and our theories have collapsed, that we are going to start the enquiries anew?

This is a dangerous move. Dangerous because the leads are no longer as distinct twelve months later. The samples must probably be no longer as eloquent. Dangerous because, with time, the leads like the memories have faded out. This long period of time between the crime and test results slow down the outcome of the enquiry.

It is high time for Mauritius to give itself the means to have DNA tests done locally. Because results of such tests usually take no more than two weeks. The more so, as the authorities acquired high-tech equipment for such tests… five years ago. The problem, it is said, is the lack of trained staff. Technicians from the forensic laboratory have gone regularly to South Africa to be trained for that purpose but it seems they are still not ready. Actually it looks more as if the authorities have forgotten all about this project.

If there is a surprise awaiting us when the results come, this could persuade the authorities of the crucial importance of such a laboratory here. They could call upon foreign experts while the local staff is being trained. These experts could come to do such tests for a period of time to make sure that they are done properly and within a reasonable period. This might cost much money but the cause is worth the effort.

Before finally identifying the attacker of Caroline Dickinson, a 13-year old English girl, who was raped and killed in a youth hostel, 3,600 DNA tests were performed. Can we imagine the same perseverance on the part of our investigators? We would have the name of the guilty party in about 3,600 years!

The illustration looks so ludicrous that it could make us smile… if ever the issue was not so important. Victims are waiting to be relieved ; families are waiting to know who killed their relatives. Mauritius has shown the determination to be more severe with rapists. This undeniably demands that the latest techniques be put at the disposal of the investigators. The Mauritian government should not be so reluctant to put the budding DNA laboratory to its proper use.