Women Denied Bail in Alleged Baby Trafficking Case
A Harare magistrate has denied bail to two women accused of trafficking a newborn baby, citing concerns they may flee to avoid trial.
The accused, 19-year-old Tabeth Chenyika and Christabel Muringami, appeared before Mrs. Marehwanazvo Gofa on child trafficking charges linked to an illegal adoption scheme.
Mrs. Gofa emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, ruling that the pair should remain in custody.
She pointed out that Chenyika was desperate to maintain her false claim of pregnancy, while Muringami’s decision to leave Bulawayo for Harare to give birth signaled a flight risk.
According to court records, Muringami sought an adoptive parent for her unborn child through a Facebook page named “Adoption.” She later connected with Chenyika and the two reportedly conspired to transfer custody of the baby outside legal adoption procedures.
Muringami registered her pregnancy at Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Wing at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals before giving birth on February 25.
On March 6, she unlawfully handed the baby girl to Chenyika at Letombo Park, Msasa.
As reported by The Herald, police received a tip-off and arrested Muringami on March 29.
She led them to Chenyika in Dzivarasekwa 4, Harare, where the infant was recovered.
The child has since been placed under the care of the Department of Social Welfare.
The pair is scheduled to appear in court again on May 5 as investigations continue.
