News / National
Star FM show exposes traffickers
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Two women appeared in Harare Regional Magistrates Court over the weekend facing human trafficking charges after allegedly luring children from Chipinge to Harare under the pretext of school enrollment, only to exploit them as unpaid street vendors.
Chantel Hlatwayo, 21, and her aunt, 64-year-old Sibongile Hlatwayo, were remanded in custody pending a bail application expected later this week. Prosecutors allege that the pair devised a scheme to unlawfully recruit and transport minors, all under the age of 15, from Mount Selinda in Chipinge, claiming they would secure school placements in the capital.
Upon arrival in Harare, the children were reportedly forced to sell goods along Samora Machel Avenue, with all proceeds allegedly appropriated by the accused for personal gain. Prosecutors said the women exploited family ties and community trust to carry out their scheme, noting that Sibongile was the sister of Chantel's late mother, Gloria Hlatwayo, which allegedly facilitated access to the children and their guardians.
The case came to light following Chantel Hlatwayo's appearance on the Star FM radio program Tilda Live on January 27, 2026, in an episode themed "Zvinoyera Zvinoshamisa Zvinoda Kufumurwa," which brought public attention to the matter.
The court proceedings are set to continue as authorities investigate the full extent of the alleged exploitation.
Chantel Hlatwayo, 21, and her aunt, 64-year-old Sibongile Hlatwayo, were remanded in custody pending a bail application expected later this week. Prosecutors allege that the pair devised a scheme to unlawfully recruit and transport minors, all under the age of 15, from Mount Selinda in Chipinge, claiming they would secure school placements in the capital.
Upon arrival in Harare, the children were reportedly forced to sell goods along Samora Machel Avenue, with all proceeds allegedly appropriated by the accused for personal gain. Prosecutors said the women exploited family ties and community trust to carry out their scheme, noting that Sibongile was the sister of Chantel's late mother, Gloria Hlatwayo, which allegedly facilitated access to the children and their guardians.
The case came to light following Chantel Hlatwayo's appearance on the Star FM radio program Tilda Live on January 27, 2026, in an episode themed "Zvinoyera Zvinoshamisa Zvinoda Kufumurwa," which brought public attention to the matter.
The court proceedings are set to continue as authorities investigate the full extent of the alleged exploitation.
Source - The Herald
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