Zimbabwean woman accused of trafficking victim into rape ordeal

A 37-year-old Zimbabwean woman based in Namibia has appeared in court in Harare on allegations of orchestrating a human trafficking scheme that allegedly resulted in the sexual assault of a fellow Zimbabwean.

Chido Kagoro appeared before Harare magistrate Jesse Kufa facing charges under the Trafficking in Persons Act. She was granted US$200 bail, and the case was remanded to 7 April.

The State alleges that Kagoro met the victim in October 2025 at Mbare Musika and later offered her assistance to find work in Namibia. Prosecutors say Kagoro obtained the victim's passport and arranged her travel in January 2026 under the pretext of securing a job.

Upon arrival in Namibia, the victim was taken to Kagoro's home, where she was later allegedly subjected to abuse by a man identified as Patrick, who claimed he had paid for her "recruitment."

The victim reportedly returned to Zimbabwe in January 2026 after seeking help from relatives.

The matter is still before the courts, and Kagoro has denied wrongdoing through her legal representation.