In a shocking case that has drawn national outrage, a 16-year-old girl and her 47-year-old mother appeared in court on Monday in Harare, charged with selling the teenager’s newborn baby for USD $180. The pair, along with a third accused, Dion Tore (34), face allegations of violating the Trafficking in Persons Act.
The trio was brought before Harare regional magistrate Mrs. Tildah Mazhande, where the teenager was placed in the custody of the Social Welfare Department, while her mother and Tore await the finalization of their bail applications.
How the Scheme Unfolded
Prosecutor Ms. Mercy Masamvi revealed that the mother of the teenager met Dion Tore on a WhatsApp group called Sora neMiti in January. During their conversations, the teenager’s mother disclosed that her daughter was pregnant and considering abortion. Tore, who reportedly suffers from persistent miscarriages, offered to adopt the baby.
By February 22, the teenager and Tore met in Harare, where they confirmed through a scan that the baby was a girl. At this point, Tore allegedly collaborated with an unnamed nurse at Sally Mugabe Hospital to induce labor prematurely.
On February 25, the teenager gave birth at the hospital, and just over a week later, on March 5, she handed over the newborn to Tore. To conceal the transaction, Tore reportedly forged a death record for the baby.
Between May and August, the teenager’s mother received a total of USD $180 from Tore through her Ecocash account as payment for the baby.
The Arrest and Court Appearance
Authorities became aware of the incident after receiving a tip-off, leading to the arrest of the three accused. The baby, now nine months old, is reportedly safe and under care.
The details of the case have shocked the nation, raising concerns about the desperation and moral dilemmas faced by individuals in vulnerable situations. The court heard that Tore’s history of miscarriages led her to resort to illegal means to acquire a child, while the mother and teenager’s financial struggles were exploited in the process.
The Legal Implications
The case has highlighted the severity of human trafficking and unlawful adoption practices in Zimbabwe. Prosecutor Masamvi argued that the actions of the three accused not only violated the Trafficking in Persons Act but also posed serious ethical questions about the commodification of life.
The court is expected to decide on bail for the mother and Tore tomorrow, with further hearings to determine the charges against all three accused. Meanwhile, the teenager is receiving counseling through Social Welfare as authorities work to ensure her well-being and rehabilitation.
National Reaction
The revelation of this case has sparked widespread debate on social media and within local communities. Many have expressed outrage at the exploitation of both the teenager and her child, while others have pointed to broader societal issues such as poverty and the lack of support for young mothers.
The baby’s fate remains a topic of concern, with many hoping for a resolution that ensures her safety and a chance at a better future.
The trial continues, with the nation closely watching for justice to be served in what is being described as a tragic and deeply unsettling case.– state media