Buhera Woman Sentenced to 10 Years for Trafficking 14-Year-Old Girl

 

A 30-year-old woman from Buhera, Pelagia Zindiye, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Mutare Regional Court for trafficking a 14-year-old girl into prostitution.

On June 29, 2025, Zindiye lured the minor to Mutare under false pretenses, claiming they were going to collect property. The following day, the girl left her home without informing her family and traveled with Zindiye to the city.

Upon their arrival, they met Steward Gororo, a truck driver who is currently at large. Zindiye handed the girl over to Gororo in exchange for US$40 for sexual services.

Gororo then took the girl to a restaurant, led her into a private room, and locked the door before assaulting her. After the incident, the victim confided in Zindiye, who advised her to keep silent about the ordeal. However, a tip-off to the police led to Zindiye's arrest and subsequent conviction.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has condemned this heinous act, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly children. The NPA stated, “Sexual violence and human trafficking are serious offences. We must stand together to protect the vulnerable and ensure justice is served.”