Forty-eight out of 123 paternity cases conducted by the Forensic DNA Laboratory in 2025 failed to match with the alleged fathers, while 75 cases confirmed or did not set them aside as biological fathers
Ministry of Home Affairs Principal Public Relations Officer Mwala Kalaluka pointed out that the results exhibited the critical role of DNA evidence in solving family, humanitarian and civil disputes.
Kalaluka told the media recently that the department processed a total of 450 cases in 2025, of which 303 were criminal.
He said the civil matters that were processed were the ones that had something to do with paternity.
“During 2025, the National Forensic Science and Biometrics Department’s Forensic DNA Laboratory at received a total of 450 cases. Of these, 123 were paternity cases, which are non-criminal matters.
“Out of the paternity cases, 48 alleged fathers, representing 39 percent, were excluded, while 75, representing 61 percent, were confirmed or not excluded as fathers,” Kalaluka said.
He also pointed out that 267 cases, representing 88 percent, involved sexual offences, while 36 cases, or 12 percent, were related to non-sexual offences.
Kalaluka said the department’s core mandate remains supporting the fight against sexual and gender-based violence through DNA analysis to ensure justice and closure for victims.
“We want to inform members of the public that the department, particularly the Forensic DNA Laboratory at Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, primarily focuses on addressing sexual and gender-based violence cases through DNA analysis to bring closure.” He said.
Kalaluka said while paternity testing is one of the services the department provides, it’s main focus is resolving cases related to sexual offences, murder and other serious crimes.