Harare – A shocking baby-selling scandal is unfolding in a Harare court, with testimony revealing a complex international network allegedly preying on vulnerable mothers.
The trial of Janet Marimo, accused of human trafficking, is currently underway before Magistrate Donald Ndirowei. Marimo has pleaded not guilty.
Central to the case is the testimony of Pauline Maganga, a 20-year-old woman currently serving a 10-year jail sentence for her role in the same crime.
Maganga described an online group called “Child Adoption,” administered by Marimo, which she joined in March 2023.
“I joined a group called Child Adoption of which Marimo was the administrator. In that group, there were six active members, all females, including myself,” she testified.
The group comprised women from South Africa, the United States, and Zimbabwe.
Maganga revealed that she informed the group of her pregnancy in March 2023, stating her inability to care for herself or a child due to financial instability.
“I recall that in March 2023 after joining the group, I then sent a message in the group informing [members] that I was six months pregnant,” she explained.
“I told them that I was not in a position to look after myself even after the child was born, since I was not financially stable.”
The group members, she said, offered support during her pregnancy and promised to cover hospital bills in exchange for the child after birth.
However, Maganga’s testimony highlighted Marimo’s alleged manipulation.
“Marimo then came to my inbox advising me that I must not give the other group members my child since they would take my child for organ donations. She emphasised that I was supposed to give her my child after birth and we agreed,” Maganga told the court.
On June 27th, 2023, Maganga gave birth at Far East Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. Marimo was present and provided a partial payment for hospital bills.
“Marimo gave me ZAR1 000 to pay hospital bills and the balance was supposed to be paid by the end of July 2023,” Maganga testified.
“I was only given the child’s birth card and I was told that I would collect the child’s birth record after paying the balance of ZAR1 800.”
Maganga further revealed an agreement with Marimo to receive ZAR25 000 in exchange for her baby. This payment was made after the birth. The prosecution, represented by Mr Tendai Tapi, stated that Marimo failed to obtain the necessary documentation for the child in Zimbabwe by October 29th, 2023, leading to the alleged smuggling of the undocumented infant across the border.
Police received information on November 27th, 2023, that Marimo, who was never pregnant, had returned from South Africa with a five-month-old baby. This information led to her arrest. Maganga returned to Zimbabwe on December 12th, 2023, after learning of Marimo’s arrest. The child is currently in the care of the Department of Social Welfare.
The prosecution’s case hinges on establishing Marimo’s role in the trafficking operation, highlighting the alleged deception and exploitation of vulnerable mothers. Maganga’s testimony provides crucial insight into the alleged scheme and its international reach.
The trial continues next week, with the court expected to hear further evidence and testimony before reaching a verdict.
Pauline Maganga was interviews by Sly Media three months ago at Chikurubi female prison and she narrated what really transpired in the following video:
