By Takudziridzwa Nyama
A Zimbabwean woman, Janet Maromo has been arrested and sentenced to five years in prison for trafficking a two day old infant from South Africa to Zimbabwe. She was convicted under the Trafficking in Persons Act by the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the mother sold the infant to Maromo who transported the infant across border.
The court found special circumstances in the case including the offender’s bona fide mistake about adoption laws in both countries, her lack of sophistication and the role of the biological mother in influencing her actions.
The Zimbabwean government condemns human trafficking because it tears families apart causing immense emotional pain and suffering.
Cases of child trafficking between the two Southern African countries especially via Beitbridge border have been on the rise prompting authorities to tighten the requirements for minors to cross either side.