News / National
Baby-selling trio denied bail
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A 47-year-old woman from Murehwa accused of helping her 16-year-old daughter sell her new-born baby for US$180 has been denied bail by Harare regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa.
The woman, her teenage daughter - currently under the care of the Social Welfare Department - and the alleged buyer, Dion Tore (34), face charges under the Trafficking in Persons Act. The case is set to continue on Thursday.
Magistrate Gofa criticised the woman for failing to guide her daughter, describing her defence as inadequate. The court also dismissed Tore's denials, with the magistrate questioning her role in falsifying a hospital document to cover up the alleged transaction.
Prosecutor Ms Mercy Masamvi outlined how the trio allegedly conspired to arrange an illegal adoption. According to the State, the mother and daughter agreed to sell the baby to Tore, who had reportedly suffered multiple miscarriages.
The arrangement began in January when the mother connected with Tore through a WhatsApp group called "Sora neMiti." Upon learning of the teenager's pregnancy, Tore expressed interest in adopting the baby, particularly as the teenager was considering abortion.
On February 22, the three met in Harare, where a scan confirmed the baby's gender as female, and labour was induced prematurely at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital with the assistance of two nurses, Betty Patricia Sena and Jestina Mashamba. The baby was born on February 25 and handed over to Tore on March 5.
To conceal the transaction, Tore allegedly created a fake death certificate for the baby. Between May and August, the mother reportedly received US$180 via mobile money transfer from Tore.
Authorities were tipped off about the scheme, leading to the arrest of the trio. Nurse Jestina Mashamba appeared in court over the weekend and remains in custody, with her bail ruling expected on Thursday. Betty Patricia Sena's bail ruling is set for today.
The baby, now nine months old, is reportedly in safe custody as legal proceedings continue. The case has raised serious concerns about human trafficking and exploitation, with authorities urging vigilance to prevent similar incidents.
The woman, her teenage daughter - currently under the care of the Social Welfare Department - and the alleged buyer, Dion Tore (34), face charges under the Trafficking in Persons Act. The case is set to continue on Thursday.
Magistrate Gofa criticised the woman for failing to guide her daughter, describing her defence as inadequate. The court also dismissed Tore's denials, with the magistrate questioning her role in falsifying a hospital document to cover up the alleged transaction.
Prosecutor Ms Mercy Masamvi outlined how the trio allegedly conspired to arrange an illegal adoption. According to the State, the mother and daughter agreed to sell the baby to Tore, who had reportedly suffered multiple miscarriages.
On February 22, the three met in Harare, where a scan confirmed the baby's gender as female, and labour was induced prematurely at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital with the assistance of two nurses, Betty Patricia Sena and Jestina Mashamba. The baby was born on February 25 and handed over to Tore on March 5.
To conceal the transaction, Tore allegedly created a fake death certificate for the baby. Between May and August, the mother reportedly received US$180 via mobile money transfer from Tore.
Authorities were tipped off about the scheme, leading to the arrest of the trio. Nurse Jestina Mashamba appeared in court over the weekend and remains in custody, with her bail ruling expected on Thursday. Betty Patricia Sena's bail ruling is set for today.
The baby, now nine months old, is reportedly in safe custody as legal proceedings continue. The case has raised serious concerns about human trafficking and exploitation, with authorities urging vigilance to prevent similar incidents.
Source - The Herald
