A 27-year-old woman from Bulawayo, Christable Talitha Muringani, has been arrested for allegedly giving up her 12-day-old baby for adoption without following the proper legal procedures. This act is a violation of the Trafficking in Persons Act.
Muringani, along with her 19-year-old accomplice Tabeth Chenyika, was remanded in custody until April 4 after appearing before Harare regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa. According to state prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi, Muringani posted an advertisement on a Facebook page seeking individuals interested in adopting her unborn baby, which led to her connection with Chenyika.
The investigation revealed that Muringani traveled from Bulawayo to Harare in February 2024, where she gave birth to a baby girl. On March 6, she allegedly handed over the baby to Chenyika without going through the proper adoption process.
The authorities were alerted, leading to Muringani’s arrest on March 29. She assisted police in locating Chenyika, who was found in Dzivarasekwa 4, Harare. The baby is now under the care of the Department of Social Welfare and has been placed in a safe environment.
This case highlights concerns about the need for better regulation and oversight regarding adoption practices to prevent such violations of the law. The two suspects are expected to return to court for further proceedings
Source- New Day
