DNA laboratories in Zimbabwe have revealed that 80 percent of men who suspect their partners of cheating are eventually proved right through paternity DNA tests. The DNA labs also revealed that cases of paternity fraud are on the increase compared to a few years ago.
The DNA labs are enjoying a roaring trade as there has been a massive demand for paternity DNA tests in the last few years. Both single and married men are now coming for voluntary paternity tests in large numbers without being prompted by the courts.
Global DNA Diagnostic Centre principal consultant Tinashe Mugabe said that most men, about 80 percent, who suspect their partners of cheating are vindicated by DNA results. Speaking to The Sunday Mail Society, Mugabe said,
“We have decentralised our DNA testing centres around the country due to increased demand for the service in the past year or so. We used to have fewer clients, at times none, per day, but we now average between three and five clients coming for DNA tests each working day.
“We have more of negative than positive results, meaning most of the supposed fathers are excluded as such. At least 80 percent of the man that suspect their partners to be cheating are being proven right.
“The issue to do with DNA is not an individual decision, but the whole family with aunts and mothers being on the forefront and prepared to meet the costs.”
Another DNA testing company, Expedite DNA Zimbabwe, revealed that data from the DNA test results show that cases of paternity fraud are on the increase.
“Generally, the number of fathers raising children who are not theirs has been rising. In 2019, our statistics projected the figure to be around 60 percent. However, with more clients coming in for one reason or another, current data is showing that over 75 percent of alleged fathers are excluded after tests.”
Some alleged fathers are also choosing to conduct prenatal DNA tests to check if they are the true fathers before the baby is even born. Explaining the procedure, Mugabe said,
“Prenatal DNA testing is also popular these days as most people no longer want to meet the costs of a pregnancy that is not theirs and some feel it is much wiser and easy to deal with the paternity issue before a child is born. But, the pregnancy has to be two or more months older for the test to be conducted.”
However, media personality and social commentator Rebecca Chisamba warned that DNA tests can create serious issues for the country. Said Mai Chisamba,
“We must be careful. The issue of testing and exposing people as cheats can create serious problems for the nation in the future.
“It terribly affects children and bonding among them. I am not saying people should not be exposed for cheating, but I am just calling for us to use decent channels in dealing with the matter. Remember, gomba harina mwana.
“Besides, we don’t get married to have kids, but we marry for love. Children are a gift from God. Families are putting unnecessary pressure on couples and they end up going out of their way to have kids out of wedlock, which is now creating the crisis we have.
