Tendai Gukutikwa
Lovemore Kadzura
Weekender Reporter
IN a dramatic turn of events, a Rusape woman, Panashe Gundla, broke down in court after deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) results confirmed that Blessing Mlauzi, who had denied paternity, was indeed the father of her child.
The emotional scene unfolded at Chief Makoni’s community court recently, where Panashe and Mlauzi were embroiled in a paternity dispute.
As the truth sank in, Panashe, overcome with emotion, removed her baby from its back strap, and threw it to Mlauzi, momentarily leaving him to care for the toddler.
Court officials later persuaded her to return and collect the child.
Panashe recounted the difficulties she faced due to Mlauzi’s denial of paternity and responsibility, including significant medical expenses for a caesarean section.
The paternity dispute began on July 17, 2024, when Panashe’s father, Victor, Gundla dragged Mlauzi to court, demanding payment of the bride price.
Gundla had requested three beasts, three goats, and US$1 500 as bride price, but Mlauzi disputed paternity, leading to a court-ordered DNA test.
A paternity DNA test uses genetic analysis to determine if a man is the biological father of a child.
It compares DNA samples from the alleged father and child, looking for shared genetic markers to establish a biological relationship.
DNA paternity tests are highly accurate, with probabilities of paternity often exceeding 99, 999 percent when both parents participate.
It is used for the purposes of establishing legal paternity in situations like custody disputes, child support, and inheritance matters; providing individuals with personal knowledge of their family history as well as helping them identify their biological parents.
The results were delivered last week in court, and as Chief Makoni just finished announcing them, Panashe broke down, while her mother in the gallery ululated.
Out of emotions, she threw the toddler at his father.
“This case was adjourned last year as Mlauzi was doubting paternity. Mlauzi also said if the results points him as the father he will only take the child, and not the mother. He also said for the brief period they stayed together, Panashe was disobedient to the Mlauzi family rules and guiding principles.
“Panashe told this court that she only got intimate with Mlauzi. She said she returned to her parents because Mlauzi was not talking to her for the period they stayed together. Tests were conducted after the child was born, and the results here confirm that Mlauzi is the father of the child. Mlauzi will pay damages of three beasts and three goats for masungiro. Mlauzi will also meet the cost of the lawsuit which is US$110. Panashe is also advised to file for maintenance for the upkeep of the child,” ruled the court.
Mlauzi pleaded for a long period to pay up the damages.
He said he was comfortable with the name given to the child by Panashe.
“I do not have problem with the name, and also the DNA results. I have to accept everything. I may need half of the year of pay up,’” said Mlauzi as he was holding to the baby.
The court gave him six months to pay his in-laws.
Online Reporter