FIST exchanges and the hurling of obscenities among spouses who have obtained their tests after undergoing Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) tests are now a thing of the past. In fact, there is a decline of 47 percent in the number of children whose test results have shown that they are not biologically related to their fathers.
The Government Chemist Laboratory Agency (GCLA) Acting Chief Government Chemist, Mr Daniel Matata, says that for almost a year now, his office has been forced to change the procedure for receiving samples from parents who are not sure of the paternity of their children. However, he declined to disclose the type of parents who in the past came for DNA testing before a new procedure was introduced.
Mr Matata told the ‘Daily News on Saturday’ in an exclusive interview recently that after witnessing many brawls, samples are now brought in through a social welfare department, by a registered advocate, the court or the police. “We have been forced to change our practice because even before the couples reach the gate, fists and punches are already flying. Our offices are a lot quieter now,” he said.
Up-to-date statistics are still being compiled but according to a report in 2010, tests carried out from 2006 to 2009 on 250 people, revealed that on average 50 per cent of the children are not biologically related to their fathers. The report cited that the most reliable ones which were carried out in 2005 and 2006 revealed that 60 per cent of children, who underwent the tests, were not biologically related to their fathers.
Samples taken in 2006 and 2007 showed further that 47 per cent of the children tested were not biologically related to their fathers, while similar investigations made the same year showed that 53 per cent were related. Other records in 2007 and 2008 showed that 51 per cent of the children were not biologically related to their fathers while 49 per cent were related.
The statistics were followed by recent tests (in 2008 and 2009) that showed that 40 per cent of the children were not biologically related to their fathers while 60 per cent were related. In 2009 the Human DNA Regulation Act was passed which will provide for the management and regulation of collection, packing, transportation, storage, analysis and disposal of sample for Human DNA, disclosure of genetic information and research on Human DNA and to provide for related matters.
Some of the success stories of DNA records in the country include the identification of 11 bodies following the 2009 fire tragedy at Ilolo in Iringa region; identification of 19 out of 25 bodies of Yemenair clash in Comoro in June, 2009 and identification of five soldiers in Mbagala bomb blasts in 2009, as well as many other criminal incidents.
Mr Rajab Salehe, a data administrator in Dar es Salaam, says that DNA testing is certainly an option to take when you get doubt about who fathered a child. “With the way our wives are today, I won’t think twice about doing a DNA test. It is after all the most accurate paternity test available,” he said.
Mr Antony Kalume, who works in the media industry, said that should he have doubts at the paternity of his children; DNA testing should most definitely be the option. “That certainly goes without saying. DNA testing is almost foolproof. We all know that when you approach your spouse with your suspicions, she will either outright deny or cause unnecessary hell. So, DNA testing saves a lot of time,” he said.
Ms Zuleikha Kisamba, who works in the public sector, also concurs that DNA testing is the best and probably only way to prove one’s innocence should doubts arise. According to the Muslim World Fatwa Management and Research Institute website, as far as DNA test was concerned, if it’s proved by reliable physicians and experts that it certainty serves as a valid legal proof, then it is the role of Muslim scholars to decide how to deal with it in the case of adultery.
However, other things such as pregnancy and the like are merely signs or indications and are not qualified enough to serve as a legal proof. For instance, pregnancy does not necessarily denote fornication. The site concludes that DNA is not sufficient proof to establish paternity. It must be corroborated by other proofs. This is due to the continuous change in the principles that govern such things.
It stands to reason that Islamic principles are based on certainty, and nothing should be left to risk or doubtfulness when it comes to establishing an important issue such as the one referred to in the question. According to the GCLA definition, DNA is the chemical compound which genes are made of and is often referred to as the building blocks of life. Each person’s DNA is unique.
DNA paternity testing is widely used for scientific purposes, to determine paternity concerns or settle legal disputes. DNA is obtained from blood and blood stains, semen and semen stains, bones, teeth, hair shaft, saliva, urine and faeces, debris from finger nails, cigarette butts, postage stamps and personal items like razor blades, toothbrush and chewing gum.
Mr Matata said that much as the forensic biology section DNA unit offers a number of services such as DNA in criminal investigations, identification of mass disaster victims, research work and diagnosis of inherited disorders, paternity testing in the country still tops.
“When testing first started in 2004, many people were skeptical of the technology and customers were few. But the number increased over the years and more people commend the job we are doing,” he said.
Calling on potential customers seeking their services who are hailing far away from Dar es Salaam, Mr Matata advises that for the best and most accurate results, customers should carry all three samples from the father, mother and child.
Masembe, Tambwe, Tanzania Daily News