GABORONE — Months of uncertainty surrounding the paternity, maintenance and potential inheritance claims of seven children linked to late former Botswana Minister of Environment and Tourism Dumezweni Meshack Mthimkhulu have come to an end after DNA tests reportedly confirmed that all seven are his biological children.

The long-awaited results were received by the children’s mothers at the Master of the High Court’s offices in Gaborone on Thursday, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The DNA tests reportedly returned positive results for all seven children, establishing their biological relationship to the late minister.

The results could now pave the way for the children’s mothers to pursue outstanding maintenance claims and potentially secure their children’s interests in Mthimkhulu’s estate.

DNA Tests Followed Paternity Questions

The paternity dispute emerged following Mthimkhulu’s death in September 2024, when maintenance payments for the children were reportedly stopped.

Before the payments ended in October 2024, each child was reportedly receiving more than P5,000 per month in maintenance.

Questions surrounding the paternity of some of the children subsequently intensified. Allegations emerged that Mthimkhulu’s surviving wife had disputed knowledge of some of the children.

The DNA testing was therefore initiated to establish whether the children were biologically connected to the late minister and his family.

Because Mthimkhulu was deceased, samples were reportedly obtained from some of his siblings as part of the process.

The testing also reportedly involved two children from his first former wife, allowing investigators to establish a wider genetic link within the family.

Results Bring Relief After Months of Uncertainty

The DNA testing reportedly cost about P19,000 and was intended to provide conclusive evidence that could help resolve the dispute over maintenance and inheritance.

The results have reportedly brought relief to the six mothers involved, who had spent months waiting for certainty about their children’s legal and financial position.

For the families, the outcome could mark the beginning of another important stage: determining what the children are entitled to from their late father’s estate.

The confirmation does not, by itself, determine the value of any inheritance or guarantee a specific distribution of assets. Those matters are expected to be addressed through the relevant legal and estate administration processes.

Estate Claims Now Come Into Focus

The DNA findings could have significant implications for the administration of Mthimkhulu’s estate.

With the children’s biological relationship reportedly confirmed, their potential claims to benefits and assets belonging to their late father are expected to come under greater focus.

The outcome could also assist the authorities and legal representatives handling the estate in determining the rightful beneficiaries and addressing outstanding maintenance obligations.

The case highlights the difficult legal and financial questions that can arise when paternity disputes emerge after the death of a parent, particularly where an estate and dependent children are involved.

Mthimkhulu Died Aged 45

Mthimkhulu died on 2 September 2024 at the age of 45 following a prolonged illness.

His death left behind an estate now facing questions over maintenance, paternity and inheritance.

With the DNA results reportedly confirming that the seven children are biologically his, attention is expected to shift from establishing their relationship with the late minister to determining their legal and financial entitlements.

For the families involved, the results bring an end to one chapter of uncertainty. The next stage will centre on what those findings mean for the administration and distribution of Mthimkhulu’s estate.

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