The two women involved in a disturbing baby-selling case worth US$180 will remain in remand custody after a Harare magistrate determined they are not eligible for bail.
Evelyn Zisengwe and Dion Tore have been in custody since last week.
Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa ruled that the women failed to provide a credible defense, which left the court unconvinced that they would return if granted bail.
“It is my view that releasing them would present a risk of flight, as their close ties to witnesses suggest a potential for interference,” the magistrate stated.
She acknowledged that while the seriousness of the charges alone does not justify denying bail, the State had presented compelling reasons to keep the accused in custody. The court found that the defendants had failed to offer a convincing explanation for their actions, which added weight to the decision.
Zisengwe denied the accusations, claiming she only advised her daughter against abortion but did not encourage her to illegally give the child to anyone. However, the court found her defense lacking in credibility and noted that her involvement with the alleged buyer made her a high flight risk, especially given the likelihood of a conviction.
Regarding Tore, who is accused of purchasing the baby, the magistrate stated that her defense was insufficient, offering only denials without providing a detailed explanation. She failed to present convincing arguments for why she was denying the allegations, which contributed to the court’s decision to deny her bail.
The case centers around allegations that Zisengwe and her teenage daughter, who has since been placed in the care of social services, conspired with Tore to unlawfully adopt the newborn. Between May and August, Zisengwe allegedly received US$180 from Tore, who forged documents to falsely present herself as the baby’s mother. The money was transferred via Ecocash.
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