AUTHORITIES in Tabora Region have urged the Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA) to establish a forensic laboratory in the region in order to expedite sample processing.

Speaking here over the weekend at a meeting with criminal justice stakeholders, including police officers, magistrates, prosecutors, social welfare officers and district medical officers, Tabora Regional Administrative Secretary, Dr John Mboya, emphasised the crucial role of forensic evidence in solving criminal cases.

He noted that having a laboratory closer to the region will greatly enhance the efficiency of sample collection, storage, transportation and analysis, ensuring that justice is served promptly.

“For instance, in cases where a doctor is found dead, surrounded by indications of suicide such as medication, it is impossible to determine conclusively whether it was suicide or homicide without forensic analysis. At present, transporting samples over long distances poses risks, including contamination. So, it is important to have a laboratory here. Scientific evidence is vital in criminal investigations as it removes uncertainty,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to strictly adhere to proper procedures for collecting, storing, transporting and processing samples to ensure their integrity before submission to the GCLA for analysis.

Dr Mboya further emphasised that one of the GCLA’s primary responsibilities is to conduct forensic analysis of evidence. To carry out this mandate effectively, the agency must operate with efficiency and professionalism.

He also highlighted that magistrates cannot deliver fair verdicts if investigations are compromised—especially when crucial forensic evidence is delayed or mishandled.

 He, therefore, urged all stakeholders within the criminal justice system to understand and fulfil their responsibilities to ensure that justice is delivered swiftly and fairly.

 Gerald Mollel, GCLA Central Zone Manager, acknowledged that while the authority strives to process forensic samples promptly, delays often occur when law enforcement agencies fail to collect reports on time.

 “To address the challenge, we now compile a list of completed forensic reports every Friday and submit the same to the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI). This ensures that officers nationwide are informed and can collect their reports without unnecessary delays. We urge the police to follow up on results promptly as we ensure they are processed in a timely manner,” Mollel said.

 He expressed gratitude to the government for equipping GCLA with state-of-the-art forensic technology which enables high-quality and internationally recognised forensic investigations.

 He emphasised that test results obtained from GCLA facilities are consistent with findings from other advanced forensic laboratories worldwide.

 To enhance forensic expertise, GCLA has trained 120 criminal justice stakeholders in Tabora on best practices in forensic evidence handling.

 The training aims to improve collection, preservation, and analysis of forensic samples, ensuring efficiency in court proceedings.

Assistant Inspector of Police Omary Matesa, speaking on behalf of the trainees, acknowledged that the training had significantly improved their expertise.

 However, he noted persistent challenges, including delays in sample transportation and communication gaps among stakeholders, which sometimes hinder timely access to forensic reports.

 He emphasised the need for stronger collaboration within the criminal justice system to streamline collection, storage, transportation and processing of forensic evidence.

 “Every stakeholder has a role to play in ensuring that justice is delivered efficiently and fairly,” he said.