Harare, (New Ziana) – A Harare Magistrates’ Court has
convicted a woman for contravening the Trafficking in Persons Act after
being found guilty of trafficking a two day-old infant from South Africa
to Zimbabwe.

According to court proceedings, the infant was sold by her biological
mother to the accused, Janet Maromo, who then brought the new-born to
Zimbabwe.

The court heard that Maromo acted under a bona fide misunderstanding of
adoption laws in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.

While Maromo’s actions were illegal, the court identified several
mitigating factors that influenced her decision-making.

These included her lack of sophistication and understanding of the legal
implications surrounding the adoption process, as well as the role of
the biological mother in instigating the transaction.

In light of these special circumstances, the court sentenced Maromo to
five years in prison.

New Ziana