Shocking Child Trafficking Case: Zimbabwean Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Selling Her Newborn Baby

Zimbabwean Woman Jailed for Selling Newborn for R25,000

In a case that has shocked the nation, Pauline Maganga, a 23-year-old woman from Gokwe, Zimbabwe, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for selling her newborn son.

The sentence was handed down by Harare magistrate Lazini Ncube after Pauline Maganga was found guilty of child trafficking.

Also Read: KZN Woman Slapped With 20-Year Jail Sentence For Selling A Child With Albinism To Sangoma

Elaborate Scheme Unveiled

The court heard how Maganga, who gave birth in South Africa, sold her baby boy to Janet Marimo for R25,000 (approximately $1,600).

“I was desperate and thought this was the only solution,” Maganga admitted during the trial.

WhatsApp messages between Maganga and Marimo revealed the meticulous planning that went into the arrangement, which began while Maganga was still pregnant.

Illegal Transaction Across Borders

Marimo took the baby two days after birth, with plans to take the child to Australia. Maganga was supposed to obtain the birth certificate by October 29, but failed to do so, forcing Marimo to bring the baby to Zimbabwe illegally. Upon receiving a tip-off, detectives arrested Marimo in Waterfalls, Harare, exposing the sordid deal.

DNA Confirms Identity

After Marimo’s arrest, Maganga returned to Zimbabwe on December 12, hoping to reclaim her son. DNA tests confirmed she was the biological mother, leading to her immediate arrest. The baby has since been placed in the care of Social Welfare.

Magistrate Condemns Actions

Magistrate Ncube condemned Maganga’s actions as he delivered the sentence.The magistrate highlighted that Maganga’s conduct was especially egregious given the vulnerable nature of the victim

“She had the duty to keep and protect this child but chose to commodify the child for the purpose of trafficking,” he stated.

Ncube emphasized that Maganga’s actions were inexcusable.

“In this modern world, no person should be sold. We have passed the slave trade era,” he declared.

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