<p>Forensic investigative leads are pivotal, but under-exploited enablers of crime detection within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Major operational barriers include forensic backlogs, fragmented information systems (limited CAS/ICDMS system interoperability), inconsistent detective command-and-control and procedure adherence, resource constraints, and skills gaps among detectives. This study clarifies purpose and contribution: to develop and empirically ground a practice-ready conceptual framework and guideline set to improve the identification, processing, and investigation of forensic investigative leads, thereby increasing detection and conviction rates. Using a qualitative case design in Gauteng, we triangulated (i) semi-structured interviews with detectives (<i>n</i> = 30), forensic examiners (<i>n</i> = 4), and international experts (<i>n</i> = 4); (ii) documented legislation/SOPs/QMS materials; and (iii) CAS/ICDMS trend data (2015–2022). Original achievements include: (1) an integrated forensic investigative lead value-chain framework spanning forensic services–detectives–prosecution; (2) an empirically derived bottleneck map (workload, SOP compliance, turnaround, and system integration) with measurable levers; and (3) actionable remedies. These remedies include establishing provincial forensic investigative lead units for multi-link cases; quality management system strengthening and accreditation pathways; Quality-4.0 analytics with system interfacing; targeted training and procedure amendments; and Business Intelligence/SharePoint dashboards for accountability. Implementing this package can reduce “undetected” outcomes, shorten forensic and investigative turnaround times, and translate forensic investigative leads into court-ready dockets more reliably.</p>