Zimbabwe has registered its first DNA testing centre and it will now be easy to carry out paternity tests as well as civil, chieftainship wrangles, tracing family history and criminal challenges.
The centre was registered with the Medical Laboratory and Clinic Scientists Council of Zimbabwe following the acquisition of DNA equipment and accreditation..
Previously tests had to be sent to neighbouring South Africa.
Tests currently being conducted by the African Institute of biomedical Science and Technology (AIBST) cost US$500 but are expected to come down as more centres are expected to open.
AIBST conducted DNA tests to identify bodies of the victims of the Chisumbanje accident towards the end of 2013.
AIBST president and chief scientific Professor Collen Masimirembwa said the development was a major milestone in the history and development of forensic science in Zimbabwe.
“In Zimbabwe, for a long time, forensic science had remained behind using traditional and manual means like taking finger prints and using the magnifying glass for identification purposes.
“For drug crimes, there were no machines. The police and health (officials) are also working towards buying the same machines that we use here and they have come several times to see how we operate.
“As AIBST, we have invigorated the country. We have acted as a catalyst to prove that Zimbabweans can do it.
“We have brought an evolutionary jump. Suddenly within less than a year, Zimbabwe can now conduct DNA tests putting us at the same level as other countries like South Africa,” said Prof Masimirembwa.
“We are assisting individuals and families who make their own decisions to get tested for their own personal reasons but we are yet to get referrals from the courts.
“Maybe the courts are not aware that we are doing the same locally in order for them to refer cases to us,” he said.
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