Zimbabwean Woman Jailed for Selling Newborn baby for R25,000
In a case that has shocked the nation, Pauline Maganga, a 23-year-old woman from Gokwe has been sentenced to ten years in prison for selling her newborn baby.
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
According to New Zimbabwe, Pauline Maganga, gave birth in South Africa and sold her baby boy to Janet Marimo for R25,000 (approximately $1,600).
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
It is in the States case that 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.
However, DNA paternity tests were conducted and they confirmed that she was the biological mother, subsequently leading to her immediate arrest. The baby has since been placed in the care of Social Welfare.
Also Read: 23-Year-Old Woman Pleads Guilty To Selling Her Two-Weeks Old Baby
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 in this modern era no person should be sold.
“In this modern world, no person should be sold. We have passed the slave trade era,” he declared.
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