A Maun High Court has, in a dramatic twist, ordered a couple to undergo a third paternity test after the National Forensic Laboratory produced two conflicting DNA results regarding their two-year-old son’s biological father.
Presiding over the controversial divorce case on Wednesday (Feb 12, 2025), Justice Bugalo Maripe emphasized that resolving the child’s paternity was critical before finalising the couple’s separation.
“This is in the best interest of the child. I cannot rule that you are the father while you still doubt it. A third test is necessary to bring certainty,” the Judge ruled.
The couple’s nightmare began in December 2022, when an initial paternity test by National Forensic Laboratory Technician David Sethatho concluded that the husband was not the child’s father.
However, in 2024, amidst ongoing marital disputes, a second court-ordered test was conducted-again by the same David Sethatho- but this time, it produced different results.
Justice Maripe, visibly surprised by the contradiction, remarked: “I know of Billy Sethatho because we rely on his reports a lot in court!” – only to be informed that David and Billy Sethatho are actually two different technicians.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the court ruled that the third paternity test be conducted at Diagnofirm, with David Sethatho barred from any involvement in the process.
With neither spouse willing to shoulder the more than P5,000 cost of a third test, Justice Maripe ruled that both must split the expense.
If the husband is confirmed as the father, the wife will be reimbursed- and vice versa.
Despite concerns that most local labs send their DNA samples to the same National Lab, the couple agreed to use Diagnofirm for the fresh test.
The husband, recalling the moment he first saw the 2022 results while babysitting the child, said: “I was shocked. I was caring for a baby they said wasn’t mine.”
His wife, speaking separately, accused him of changing his behavior towards the child ever since. “He stopped giving him love and financial support.
He treated him differently from the other children,” she told the court.
However, she stood firm in her belief: “I don’t need DNA to confirm this. I know who the father of my child is.”
Outside court, the wife tearfully questioned how many families had been torn apart by incorrect paternity results.
“How many innocent people have been convicted or sent to prison because of wrong results from our national lab?” she asked.
Although she admitted that their marriage had other problems, she believes the DNA scandal played a major role in its downfall.
“When he saw the results, he almost killed me. Things have never been the same since,” she revealed.
Meanwhile, she says she has filed a lawsuit against David Sethatho, holding him responsible for the emotional and marital damage caused by the contradictory paternity results.
As the couple now awaits the final DNA verdict, one question remains- who is the real father?
