In a shocking case, a 23-year-old woman from Gokwe has admitted to violating the Trafficking in Persons Act by selling her newborn just two days after giving birth.
The woman, who resides in South Africa, found herself entangled in an evil agreement to sell her baby to another Zimbabwean woman living in the same country. Their plan was elaborate, involving the buyer smuggling the infant back to Zimbabwe.
The illicit deal unfolded when the two women connected on Facebook, where they discussed and finalised the transaction details, settling on a monetary exchange for the baby.
However, their scheme came crashing down when the buyer, identified as Janet Marimo, was apprehended. Suspicions arose when Marimo began flaunting the child to her acquaintances and relatives, despite never exhibiting signs of pregnancy.
With Marimo in custody, the baby was entrusted to the care of Zimbabwe’s social welfare department.
Meanwhile, upon hearing of Marimo’s arrest, the baby’s biological mother, Pauline Maganga, hastily made her way from South Africa to Gokwe. In a desperate attempt to conceal her involvement, Maganga created a story, claiming her child had passed away in South Africa. However, her deceitful behavior came to no avail , leading to her immediate arrest.
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Prosecutors shed light on Maganga’s journey, revealing that she had ventured to South Africa in January in search of job opportunities while carrying her unborn child. In June, she gave birth to a baby boy. It was during this time that she allegedly conspired with Marimo, whom she encountered on Facebook, to traffic her newborn to Harare. Despite Maganga remaining in South Africa, Marimo successfully smuggled the undocumented baby from South Africa to Zimbabwe.
The case has sent shockwaves through the community, underscoring the desperate measures individuals may resort to in pursuit of financial gain. As authorities delve deeper into the matter, they remain vigilant in their efforts to combat the scourge of human trafficking and protect the most vulnerable members of society.
