A Zimbabwean woman has been sentenced to five years in prison for trafficking a two-day-old baby from South Africa to Zimbabwe with the intent of selling the child for adoption outside Africa.
As reported by The Herald, Janet Marimo conspired with the infant’s mother, Pauline Maganga, and paid R25,000 to purchase the child before attempting to arrange an illegal adoption abroad. However, authorities foiled her plan and arrested her in Hararebefore she could complete the transaction.
Court Ruling and Sentencing Considerations
Presiding over the case, Magistrate Donald Ndirowei acknowledged that standard sentencing guidelines for such crimes typically carry a 10-year prison term. However, he ruled that “special circumstances” warranted a reduction.
“The court found the accused was bona fide in her mistaken understanding of adoption laws in both South Africa and Zimbabwe,” Magistrate Ndirowei stated. “Her ignorance of the law and lack of sophistication were deemed special circumstances.”
The Role of the Biological Mother in Baby Trafficking
The court also considered the role of Maganga, the baby’s biological mother, and sentenced her to 10 years in May 2024. Maganga testified that she first connected with Marimo through a Facebook adoption group in March 2023.
Marimo, who administered the online group, facilitated discussions about adoption among its six members, including individuals from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the United States. It was through this platform that she engaged with Maganga, leading to the illicit arrangement that ultimately resulted in their arrests.
Concerns Over Illegal Adoption Networks
Authorities have warned that illegal adoption networks continue to pose a significant threat, with law enforcement agencies ramping up efforts to dismantle such operations. The case has sparked renewed calls for stricter regulations and public awareness of legal adoption procedures to prevent further exploitation of vulnerable children.
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