Cape Town – Thabo Bester’s identity has been confirmed through a DNA test conducted on his biological mother, according to the South African Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi.
Motsoaledi confirmed this while responding to a question during a parliamentary session on Wednesday.
He said that the DNA test showed a 99% match between Bester and his mother, who gave birth to him in 1986 at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
“Bester’s DNA matches that of his mother, who gave birth to him in 1986 at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. The DNA matches 99%. Why do you want us to repeat it as home affairs?” the minister asked.
[BREAKING] #ThaboBester Home Affairs Min. Aaron Motsoaledi confirms police have conducted DNA tests with Bester’s mother confirming his identity.
Motsoaledi was addressing MPs during his budget vote speech in parliament.
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Motsoaledi said that DNA was not the sole method of identification, as records from the hospital and schools could also be used to confirm identities.
The Department of Home Affairs presented documents to a special tribunal to issue a birth certificate and register Bester’s birth as late.
Previously, it was reported that Bester’s identity could not be found in the department’s database.
However, the police were able to confirm his identity through fingerprints and his criminal record.
Motsoaledi provided Bester’s family history, stating that his mother was not registered at birth and had a late registration in 2002.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
