BABY TRAFFICKING : TWO WOMEN REMANDED IN CUSTODY

A Bulawayowoman allegedly gave up her 12-day-old baby for adoption without following dueprocess in violation of the Trafficking in Persons Act.The suspect,Christable Talitha Muringani (27) and her accomplice Tabeth Chenyika (19), wereremanded in custody to April 4 when they appeared in court yesterday beforeHarare regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa.Stateprosecutor Rufaro Chonzi

The suspect,Christable Talitha Muringani (27) and her accomplice Tabeth Chenyika (19), wereremanded in custody to April 4 when they appeared in court yesterday beforeHarare regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa. Stateprosecutor Rufaro Chonzi alleged that then pregnant Muringani advertised on aFacebook page named Adoption seeking individuals interested in her unborn baby. She laterconnected with Chenyika and the two reportedly conspired to facilitate theunlawful transfer of the child.

Investigationsrevealed that Muringani travelled from Bulawayo to Harare in February this yearand registered her pregnancy at Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Wing, ParirenyatwaGroup of Hospitals. She gave birthto a baby girl on February 25 and was discharged a few days later. It is allegedthat on March 6, Muringani met Chenyika in Msasa and handed her the babywithout following the adoption process.

Muringani wasarrested following a tip-off on March 29. She assistedpolice in locating Chenyika in Dzivarasekwa 4, Harare. The baby hasbeen placed under the care of the Department of Social Welfare.

Newsday.