DNA tests to prove infidelity on the increase

SOUTH Africans are increasingly turning to DNA testing to confirm suspicions that their lovers are unfaithful. Toenail clippings and used ear buds are just some of the things that could be used to prove you are a cheat.

For between R950 and R3000, a range of items, from used condoms, chewing gum and dental floss to underwear and linen with questionable stains, can be tested to show a partner is cheating.

Several companies offer infidelity DNA tests, which can reveal if a stain contains human DNA and whether it comes from a man or a woman. Another test can confirm if it belongs to a specific person if a comparative sample is provided.

More often than not, the suspicion turned out to be correct, DNA Test managing director Nevin Pillay said.

One of the stranger requests his company had received was a range of bras – one a week for five weeks – belonging to an Eastern Cape socialite with a suspicious husband.

But the most memorable was a Valpre bottle filled halfway with a mystery substance. A psychiatrist had found it in the family car and, suspecting his university-going daughter of backseat shenanigans, decided to have it tested. His suspicions were not unfounded, but it turned out his wife was cheating.

Clinical sexologist Marlene Wasserman, also known as Dr Eve, cautioned that those opting for infidelity testing had to be sure of their motivation and should be prepared for the outcome. - Leonie Wagner