Tinashe Mugabe, the host of the popular television show, The Closure DNA Show, has said that he is against compulsory DNA tests at birth. Mugabe, who is affectionately known as the DNA Man, argued that making paternity DNA tests compulsory at birth would lead to disaster and chaos.
A few weeks ago DNA laboratories in Zimbabwe revealed that an astounding 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. Following these stunning revelations as well as episodes of The Closure DNA Show, some people, mainly men, have called on the government to make paternity DNA tests compulsory at birth.
However, Mugabe is of a different opinion on the issue. The principal consultant at Global DNA Diagnostic Centre made the remarks when he was interviewed by radio personality Chamvary on her popular show Centre Stage With Chamvary on Tuesday. During the show, Chamvary asked Mugabe,
What do you think should be done as far as paternity issues are concerned. Do you Mr Mugabe, feel that paternity should be determined at birth or until someone has doubts.
The DNA Man responded by saying that while he is in favour of DNA tests being carried out as soon as possible, he is against making it compulsory. Said Mugabe,
It’s always wise and it is the best thing to do for paternity issues to be verified just after birth. Why? It’s because you will be able to identify the actual biological father of the child before it is too late. Before death strikes, before anything unforeseen happens. So it is best for the parties concerned. It’s also the best thing for the child, for a DNA test to be done just after birth.
But, it is not healthy for it to be made compulsory to say just after birth, everyone must be tested.
DNA profiling must be done after birth to cover issues to do with crimes and verification, in the event that probably murder has been committed and you want to identify the culprits. Then we need data that is stored to do the verification.
That is important for profiling. But not to the person after birth that this child is not yours, another one comes, the child is yours, there will be a disaster.
There Will Be Disaster: Tinashe Mugabe Says He Is Against Compulsory DNA Testing At Birth
There Will Be Disaster: Tinashe Mugabe Says He Is Against Compulsory DNA Testing At Birth
Mugabe also disputed allegations that DNA tests stir domestic unrest. He argued that by the time people come for paternity tests, there will already be having domestic unrest due to the suspicions of infidelity. He said that a person in doubt is a dangerous person. The tests, on the other hand, allow the couples to get past their previous conflict and move on.
