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Chronicle Reporter
THE DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) service breakthrough by the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) has generated a lot of interest in Bulawayo with scores of people flocking to the university’s stand at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair to access the facility.The DNA testing system and profiling came to ZITF for the first time this week courtesy of Nust through the Department of Applied Biology and Biochemistry.

The service is not widely available in Zimbabwe and most people have been travelling to countries such as South Africa to access the service. A facility was recently set up in Harare.

“We’re receiving a lot of interest from the public about this service and since ZITF started, we’re profiling scores of people per day. This has made our corner very busy,” Nust director of public relations and marketing, Felix Moyo, said.

He could not disclose statistics but said the service has come in handy for the community, especially in the southern region.

The university charges $100 for DNA testing and profiling but those who seek the service during ZITF days pay 50 percent of the amount.

This reporter had the opportunity to have blood samples taken at the mobile laboratory and it took about two minutes while results would be given after examination of blood samples at the university’s laboratory.

The university recently opened a state-of-the-art DNA facility that uses world class machines with high technology equipment imported from the United States, UK and Japan at a cost of $500, 000.

Forensic DNA profiling is a technique employed by forensic scientists to identify individuals by characteristics of their DNA.

DNA profiles are a small set of DNA variations that are very likely to be different in all unrelated individuals.

Moyo said the DNA was a useful tool in identity determination, which is critical in the event of death through violent accidents or fire.

Cases abound where relatives have buried wrong bodies or failed to identify remains of their loved ones after such unfortunate incidents.

The DNA is also useful in identifying siblings and determining paternity, which is a big issue in maintenance cases. The police also use DNA results for forensic investigations when dealing with cases such as murder, rape and theft.

“The university has three pillars – teaching and learning, research and community services. This DNA facility is part of service to the community. Should the police have such cases they should come to us for assistance,” said Moyo.

“We accommodate everybody and if a person has a challenge with payment, he or she should not shy away from engaging us. Nobody should fail to have access to DNA services because they have no money.”