Trial of 2 Zimbabwean women in SA postponed

Thupeyo Muleya–Beitbridge Bureau

The trial of two Zimbabwean women recently arrested in South Africa’s Mpumalanga for abducting three children — including a four months old infant — in the Kriel area has been postponed to January 20 so they can engage laywers.

In addition, the National Prosecuting Authority in that country says it also wants to establish their immigration status in South Africa.

Grace Gumbo (26) and Mercy Tsoko (28) are set to stand trial at the Kriel Magistrate’s Court on charges of child abduction and contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.

Mpumalanga division spokesperson for the NPA, Ms Monica Nysa told the media that the State intends to oppose bail on their next court appearance due to the seriousness of the offence.

Gumbo and Tsoko are accused of having committed the offence in Thubelihle in the Kriel area on December 28 last year.

According to the provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the two were arrested on New Year’s day.

“Police got a tip-off from community members about the two women who were pretending to be caregivers that were roaming around Ogies with three babies. The police in Kriel swiftly responded to the information then managed to arrest the two female suspects and reportedly found them with three children, two baby girls as well as one baby boy.”

The two were cornered in one of the shacks in Ogies and besides the four months old girl, there was a baby boy who is believed to be three years old and it is suspected that the child was also abducted at Marble Hall in April 2023.

Another baby girl believed to be eight months old was found as well during the arrest of the two. This child also is believed to have been abducted at Springs in September 2023 allegedly by the two women.

“The two female suspects were charged with abduction as well as contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa. Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against them as the investigation continues,” said Brig Mohlala.