malvernmugadzikwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
THREE women from Zaka, Masvingo, have been sentenced to an effective 10 months in prison for arranging the marriage of a 15-year-old.
Chijeke Hamuna (20), Tafadzwa Mupinga (26) and Millicent Tapera (20) were on Friday convicted of violating the Marriages Act.
Zaka magistrate Ms Tariro Lynet Mudzingo sentenced the trio to 12 months in prison each.
Two months were, however, suspended on condition of good behaviour. The State successfully proved that sometime in June, the three women — who reside in Marumbwa village, under Chief Nhema — unlawfully facilitated the marriage of a minor.
According to the State, Hamuna, who was the first accused, approached Mupinga — the second accused — and told her that she was dating a man in Harare by the name of Franco, who wanted to marry her.
She, however, indicated that this could not be possible as she was already married.
The two women subsequently decided to court the minor on Franco’s behalf. The minor declined their proposal. But she later relented after being pestered by the two women.
Hamuna later enlisted Tapera to help escort the minor to Harare, where she was handed over to Franco.
The matter came to light when the minor called her grandmother to explain her predicament.
A police report was made, leading to the trio’s arrest. Mr Taurayi Kidman Basopo represented the State.
Bongani Ndlovu