DNA proves uncle is the daddy
A sensitive, potentially family-dividing issue over paternity was resolved peacefully at Maun High Court on Wednesday when a young man accepted his five-year-old daughter was not his but his uncle’s instead.
The little girl’s birth certificate will now be changed, with her ‘old’ dad’s name replaced by her biological father. She will also take his surname.
The matter was brought before Justice Bugalo Maripe by the child’s mother, a resident of Thito ward, allegedly at the uncle’s insistence.
The court was told that DNA testing conclusively established the uncle as the correct biological father, prompting the mother to seek the removal of the nephew, who was the initially registered father.
In a rare display of familial cooperation, both men consented to the application, agreeing to the change of surname.
“I am glad you have resolved this amicably with no heated exchange between the two,” Justice Maripe noted, expressing satisfaction that the two relatives had reached an agreeable solution.
The court proceedings revealed that the family had already taken steps to formalise the new paternity.
When Justice Maripe inquired about the child’s whereabouts, the nephew delivered a shocker, stating, “The child is with the biological father. He has taken her in.”
The judge appeared surprised the handover had taken place prior to the final court ruling.
However, the nephew explained the transition was smooth due to the existing family ties.
“He is my uncle, so she knows him already,” he stated simply.
The child’s mother, who was present in court, acknowledged she had initially failed to cite the nephew as a party to the proceedings but was later advised by her attorney that he had a legal right to be heard.
Despite the united front presented by the trio in court, after proceedings were wrapped up, the nephew was due to speak to the Voice, something he had previously agreed to.
However, when the interview was about to start, his uncle and the child’s mother hurried over and instructed him to keep his silence. The three then left together.
NOTE: The names of the parents have been withheld for the minor child’s protection
