Murehwa mother and daughter in court over sale of newborn for US$180

Yeukai Karengezeka

Court Correspondent

A 16-year-old girl from Murehwa and her mother appeared in court on Monday, facing charges of selling the teenager’s newborn baby for US$180.

The mother, her daughter, and their co-accused, Dion Tore (34), were arraigned before Harare regional magistrate, Mrs Tildah Mazhande on charges of contravening the Trafficking in Persons Act.

While the minor was released into the custody of Social Welfare, the mother and Tore are expected to finalize their bail applications on Thursday.

Prosecutor Ms Mercy Masamvi said the mother connected with Tore via a WhatsApp group called Sora ne Miti in January, where they exchanged phone numbers.

The mother informed Tore that her daughter was pregnant but intended to abort the child. Tore, who reportedly had a history of miscarriages, expressed interest in adopting the baby instead.

Tore then contacted the teenager, and they agreed to meet in Harare on February 22, 2024. On that day, Tore facilitated a medical check-up and scan for the girl, confirming she was seven months and three weeks pregnant and expecting a baby girl.

Later that day, Tore and the teenager went to Sally Mugabe Hospital, where Tore, allegedly in connivance with an unknown nurse, induced premature labour.

The minor delivered the baby on February 25, and on March 5, she handed the newborn over to Tore at the hospital.

To conceal the transaction, Tore allegedly created a fake death record for the baby. The mother reportedly received US$180 from Tore via EcoCash between May and August.

The baby, now nine months old, was discovered after police in Murehwa received a tip-off, leading to the trio’s arrest.