Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
A SUPPOSED herbal “pregnancy booster” turned into a shocking court case after a 27-year-old Bulawayo woman allegedly gave a teenager an aloe vera concoction that led to the termination of her pregnancy.
Carol Bote (27) of Nkulumane and a 17-year-old girl from the same suburb were dragged before Western Commonage magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube, facing charges of unlawful termination of pregnancy.
Bote was granted US$30 bail, while the teen was released on free bail. Both were remanded to 24 November pending a medical report.
Prosecutor Tafara Dzimbanhete, told the court that between 1 and 30 September, the incident unfolded at Bote’s home in Nkulumane.
“Bote was drinking her aloe vera concoction and gave some to the 17-year-old, claiming it would strengthen her pregnancy. The girl trusted her and drank it,” said Dzimbanhete.
The teen reportedly took the mixture for four days before falling seriously ill. She was rushed to hospital, where doctors discovered that her pregnancy had been terminated.
A police report was quickly made, leading to the arrest of both accused.
The bizarre case has left residents of Nkulumane shaken, with many questioning why the herbal “home remedy” was ever given to a pregnant teenager.
What was meant to “strengthen” a pregnancy ended up destroying it and now the pair face the full wrath of the law.
