Prisoners convicted of serious crimes and sexual offences will no longer have an option to refuse to have their DNA samples taken while they serve their prison term or before their release.
In instances where they refuse, the SAPS commissioner will be empowered to lodge an application to a judge or a magistrate for a warrant against a prisoner who refuses to submit to the taking of his or her DNA sample.
Those authorised to take the samples, assisted by correctional officials, will be allowed to use minimum force against those who refuse samples to be taken from them.
This emerged when the police portfolio committee was briefed about the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill, which is aimed at the taking of DNA samples from all persons convicted under Schedule 8 offences.