Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve
Victoria Falls Reporter
THE National University of Science and Technology’s (Nust) Innovation Hub is grappling with a backlog of more than 300 DNA tests, leaving hundreds of clients – including those involved in court cases and family disputes – in uncertainty.
The backlog is due to delays in procuring imported reagents.
Established as part of the Government’s drive to promote innovation, industrialisation and applied scientific research, the facility has since evolved into one of Zimbabwe’s key facilities offering commercial DNA testing services alongside academic research.
DNA testing services are limited in the country and the Nust facility eases pressure on State forensic laboratories and private medical institutions, particularly in paternity disputes, criminal investigations and civil litigation.
DNA testing is increasingly relied upon by the courts as objective scientific evidence, while demand has also risen due to migration-related documentation, inheritance disputes and family reunification cases.
However, the service has hit an operational setback.
Several clients confirmed that they have been waiting for results since October last year, while others submitted samples in November, with no clear timelines provided.
“I submitted my samples in early November and every time I call, I am told to wait. The delay is affecting my life and the court proceedings,” said one client who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Another client, who also requested anonymity, said the prolonged waiting period has taken an emotional toll on their family.
“We have been waiting since October. The uncertainty is agonising for my family. We just need closure,” the client said.
Confirming the backlog, Nust director of communication and marketing, Mr Thabani Mpofu, attributed the delays to challenges in procuring essential testing reagents.
“We have a backlog of tests of about 300 cases, covering both forensic and paternity tests.
“These are cases that we are supposed to conduct and complete, and we are currently working to clear that backlog,” he said.
Mr Mpofu explained that the situation was largely caused by delays in the importation of reagents required for DNA analysis.
“As you may be aware, these reagents are all imported. The importation process delayed the arrival of the reagents that we use for testing,” he said.
Mr Mpofu said the university has since received the reagents and is now moving to resolve the backlog.
“We have now received the reagents and we are clearing the backlog by the end of the month so that we can resume normal testing,” he said.
Mr Mpofu said they require between two and three weeks to clear everything before normal operations resume.
Despite the backlog, Mr Mpofu said some clients have continued to submit samples, although they are advised of the delays.
The institution expects normal DNA testing services to fully resume by the end of January, once the accumulated cases have been processed.
