Botswana High Court limits compulsory DNA testing in inheritance disputes
via Mmegi1 min read
A recent High Court judgment by Justice Dr Zeinub Kebonang in Botswana has established a significant precedent in family and succession law, restricting the conditions under which courts will mandate DNA testing in paternity and inheritance disputes. In the case of Janet Kelibone Phale v Executor of the Estate Late Samuel K Same & Another, the court rejected an application by the deceased鈥檚 sister to compel a DNA test on a minor child to ascertain her biological relationship to the deceased. The applicant sought to clarify the estate's rightful beneficiaries. The ruling emphasizes the paramount importance of the child's best interests. While acknowledging the court's power as upper guardian of minors to order scientific tests, Justice Kebonang stressed that such orders are not automatic and require compelling justification. The court found that subjecting the child to DNA testing, driven primarily by inheritance concerns, would be "entirely antithetical" to her best interests. The judgment also rejects speculative litigation, noting the applicant's failure to provide concrete evidence to doubt the child's paternity, relying instead on suspicion and uncorroborated statements.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Mmegi.
The country's foreign exchange reserves increased to approximately P56 billion in March, marking the highest level since October 2024. This improvement suggests an increase in inflows and the impact of policy changes, including exchange rate adjustments. In March 2024, the reserves stood at about P46.4 billion. The Bank of Botswana's preliminary data indicates a general upward trend, with reserves rising from P55.3 billion in February to P56 billion in March. The Pula Fund, a savings instrument, was valued at P29.1 billion in March, up from P24.5 billion a year prior. The Government Investment Account GIA, which is the government's share of the Pula Fund, reached P9.1 billion in March, compared to P7 billion in March 2025. The GIA is used to fund various government needs and support import bills. Its balance fluctuates based on the surplus or deficit of the Government Remittances Account GRA, the government's main revenue account. When the GRA's balance falls below a certain level, withdrawals are made from the GIA. Due to a downturn in the diamond industry and weaker alternative revenue sources, the GIA has increasingly been used to supplement the GRA.
Athlone Hospital has received a P70,000 donation of essential medical supplies from the Farouk Ismail Group. The consignment, handed over on Tuesday morning, included medication for managing high blood pressure, hypertension, cholesterol-related conditions, and diabetes. Farouk Ismail Group Pty Ltd Managing Director, Mr Faizel Ismail, stated that his decision to support the hospital was influenced by his strong connection to Lobatse, his birthplace. He expressed gratitude to the Athlone staff and hoped the donation would assist the hospital and the people of Lobatse. This donation is part of the company's ongoing community support initiatives, which recently included a medical equipment donation to Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone. The Athlone matron, receiving the donation, thanked the Farouk Ismail Group, emphasizing that the contribution arrived at a critical time given the country's current drug shortages.
Must ReadSunlux Solar, led by local entrepreneurs Portia Masunda and Baleseng Masunda, has broken ground on Botswana's first large-scale solar light manufacturing operation. The P14 million warehouse and manufacturing facility in Tlokweng is expected to create approximately 160 jobs, with 80% designated for women and young people. Director of Sunlux, Portia Masunda, stated that the decision to venture into manufacturing was inspired by a 2023 government call for local businesses to invest in manufacturing to create jobs and diversify the economy. After benchmarking in China, where they previously sourced products, the couple acquired the necessary manufacturing equipment over 12 months. Sunlux Solar has already commenced preliminary production activities in November last year, with some manufactured products already on the market. The company has operated for several years as suppliers and installers of solar lighting products.