Online Reporter
Belindah Chikandiwa-Herald Correspondent
A MUTARE magistrate has handed down a 10-year prison sentence on a Buhera woman for human trafficking, following a case where a minor was exploited for prostitution.
Pelagia Zindiye (30) was convicted and sentenced this Wednesday after the court found her guilty of orchestrating a scheme that led to the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl.
The court heard that on June 29, Zindiye approached the minor under false pretences convincing her to travel to Mutare under the guise of collecting property. The following day, the victim left her home and accompanied the accused to the city.
Upon arrival, they met Steward Gororo, a truck driver now wanted by authorities.
It was revealed that Zindiye facilitated the meeting after receiving an illicit payment of US$40 from Gororo for the minor’s sexual services.
Gororo is alleged to have taken the girl to a local restaurant, where he led her to a private room and raped her. After the assault, the victim was instructed by Zindiye to keep the matter a secret.
The law finally caught up with Zindiye after police, acting on received information, launched an investigation that led to her arrest.
