Sidumisile Mabena
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
The National University of Science and Technology is ready to help identify bodies of last week’s horrific Toyota Quantum crash to help efforts to positively identify the dead, an official said.
At least 15 bodies have so far been recovered from the crash site, with six of the victims requiring DNA analysis after they were either burnt beyond recognition or extensively dismembered.
Nust head of Applied Genetics Testing Centre (AGTC), Professor Zephaniah Dlamini, said the centre is fully prepared to carry out the tests.
“We are ready to get the job done, but no samples have been brought to us as yet,” he said in an interview on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
DNA testing remains a crucial process in cases where bodies cannot be identified through conventional means, helping bring closure to grieving families.
The cost of testing varies depending on the type of sample submitted, with bone analysis being the most expensive due to its complexity.
The delay in submitting samples is likely to prolong the identification process for some victims, as families continue to wait for confirmation of their loved ones.
Online Reporter