We will not conduct DNA tests for birth certificates: Mudede refutes rumours

Registrar-General Mr Tobaiwa Mudede has refuted claims that his department will be introducing mandatory DNA to check for babies’ fathers. The rumour has been circulating on social media after an online publication ran the story.

Said Mudede:

Our business is to issue identity certificates and birth certificates. There is nowhere where we have ever indicated that we were going to conduct DNA tests.

DNA tests are conducted by scientists in laboratories. We do not have laboratories and who am I to force people to conduct DNA tests? Where do I come in? I do not even think about that and have never contemplated on it.

If the parents are not married, they have to come together to apply for the birth certificate and I am not the one who determines who the real father is

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The Births and Deaths Registration Act Chapter 5:02 Section 10 makes it compulsory for birth and death registration since June 20 1986. The birth certificate is an important document which confers and confirms citizenship by birth of an individual.

More: Herald