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5 women fined for running a brothel in Harare
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Five women who operated a brothel under the guise of a massage parlour have been convicted and fined by the Harare Magistrates Court, with each receiving a suspended prison sentence for their roles in the illegal enterprise.
Charity Makoni (30), who operated under the alias Chelsea, Josephine Tapi (22), also known as Tanya, Miriam Bimha (alias Chichie), Shyline Sibanda (Sky), and their employer Cassandra Mavhura, all pleaded guilty to charges of soliciting sex for the purposes of prostitution.
Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo fined each of the women US$30 and handed down wholly suspended two-month prison sentences on condition that they do not reoffend within a specified period.
The court heard that the group ran their illicit operation from a property located at 30 Helm Avenue in Harare. They used social media platforms to lure men to their so-called beauty parlour, where they charged US$20 per sexual encounter.
The operation came to an end after police received a tip-off and raided the premises. Investigators discovered that the establishment, which was registered as a massage parlour, was also being used to solicit clients for sex work.
Cassandra Mavhura, who was identified as the ringleader, faced additional charges, including living off or facilitating prostitution, procuring individuals for the purpose of prostitution, and violating the Shop Licences Act. She admitted to managing the illegal business.
Prosecutor Noosa Kangara said the women's actions were a violation of public morality laws and an abuse of business licensing systems. The court emphasized the need for deterrence but opted for leniency based on the women's guilty pleas and the non-violent nature of the offences.
Authorities have since warned business operators against using licensed facilities for illicit activities, stating that operations masquerading as legitimate businesses but engaging in illegal conduct will be shut down.
Charity Makoni (30), who operated under the alias Chelsea, Josephine Tapi (22), also known as Tanya, Miriam Bimha (alias Chichie), Shyline Sibanda (Sky), and their employer Cassandra Mavhura, all pleaded guilty to charges of soliciting sex for the purposes of prostitution.
Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo fined each of the women US$30 and handed down wholly suspended two-month prison sentences on condition that they do not reoffend within a specified period.
The court heard that the group ran their illicit operation from a property located at 30 Helm Avenue in Harare. They used social media platforms to lure men to their so-called beauty parlour, where they charged US$20 per sexual encounter.
The operation came to an end after police received a tip-off and raided the premises. Investigators discovered that the establishment, which was registered as a massage parlour, was also being used to solicit clients for sex work.
Cassandra Mavhura, who was identified as the ringleader, faced additional charges, including living off or facilitating prostitution, procuring individuals for the purpose of prostitution, and violating the Shop Licences Act. She admitted to managing the illegal business.
Prosecutor Noosa Kangara said the women's actions were a violation of public morality laws and an abuse of business licensing systems. The court emphasized the need for deterrence but opted for leniency based on the women's guilty pleas and the non-violent nature of the offences.
Authorities have since warned business operators against using licensed facilities for illicit activities, stating that operations masquerading as legitimate businesses but engaging in illegal conduct will be shut down.
Source - zimlive
