Harare, (New Ziana) Nine women who were arrested last week in connection with an online prostitution ring have been sentenced to pay a fine of US$30 each or one month imprisonment, following guilty pleas entered on Friday at the Harare Magistrates’ Court.

The nine, namely Natasha Makowe (18), Annie Mandaza (27), Ashley Nyamutsaka (21), Nyasha Mungate (19), Gamuchirai Dzvukutu (24), Ellen Chihota (20), Miola Manyange (19), Euno Chiwara (24) and Mukhtar Banda (19) were apprehended on the evening of May 2 this year, after a sting operation conducted by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).

Acting on a tip-off, authorities launched an investigation into online advertisements circulating on social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook.

The adverts reportedly offered massage and sexual services for a fee and provided a specific address as the place of business.

According to court proceedings, an undercover police officer posed as a potential client and visited the premises.

Upon arrival, he was directed to a bedroom where the nine women appeared in a semi-naked state. It was at this moment that the officer revealed his identity, prompting the entry of additional officers involved in the operation.

The women were arrested on the spot.

The group initially appeared in court on Saturday, May 3, where they were formally charged with soliciting for the purposes of prostitution.

On Friday, they each pleaded guilty to the charges before the presiding magistrate Tapiwa Banda imposed a fine of USD30 per person, warning that failure to pay would result in one month of imprisonment.

Mandirasa Chigumira appeared for the state.

The case has sparked debate about the role of social media in facilitating illicit activities, and police have vowed to continue monitoring online platforms to curb the spread of illegal solicitation.

Authorities have urged the public to report suspicious content or advertisements to law enforcement as part of ongoing efforts to combat prostitution and related crimes.

New Ziana