Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
A bail bid filed by two women in a human trafficking case flopped in the capital yesterday after the presiding magistrate ruled that the gravity of the offence can induce the duo to flee its jurisdiction.
The two Christabel Muringami and Tabeth Chenyika appeared before regional magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa accused of trafficking a newly born baby.
In her ruling magistrate Gofa said Chenyika, who is 19 years old, was so desperate for a child to the extent of illegally adopting a baby even though she hadn’t gone through any tests to be certified to be barren.
She said the gravity of the offense the duo is facing warrants a custodial sentence hence if granted bail, the two may abscond trial.
“The court finds that there is a prema faci case against the accused persons.
“Muringami ran away from her parents in Bulawayo to come to Harare to give birth, it is the court’s finding that she is a flight risk, and she has the propensity to abscond if granted bail,” she said.
Magistrate Gofa said Chenyika’s defence that she had lied to her boyfriend and she needed that baby didn’t instil any confidence in the court to grant her bail as this showed that she is dishonest.
The two were remanded in custody to May 5.
According to the State, sometime in January this year, Muringami who was pregnant hatched a plan to traffic her child soon after birth for an unlawful purpose.
She allegedly then advertised on a Facebook page called Adoption that she was about to deliver and invited anyone who wanted a baby to contact her.
Muringami allegedly linked up with Chenyika and the two conspired to traffic the child.
On February 10, Muringami is said to have travelled from Bulawayo to Harare and registered the pregnancy at Mbuya Nehanda Maternity wing, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
She gave birth to a baby girl on February 25 and was discharged on February 28.
The two are said to have met in Letombo where Muringami gave her baby to Chenyika in an unauthorised adoption.
Muringami was arrested after a tip off was made to the police on the basis that she had delivered and disposed of her child.
She led to the arrest of Chenyika in Dzivaresekwa
The child was placed in the custody and care of the department of Social Welfare.
Rufaro Chonzi appeared for the State.
