Suspended Police Officer and Niece Found Guilty of Human Trafficking To Oman
In a recent trial presided over by Harare Regional Magistrate Estere Chivasa, a suspended police officer, Forward Mashonganyika, and his niece Tendai Muswe have been convicted of human trafficking three women to Oman, where they were subsequently forced into a life of exploitation as se_x slaves.
Deceit and Exploitation Unveiled
Magistrate Chivasa emphasized that, apart from the act of facilitating trafficking from Zimbabwe to Oman, an essential aspect of the case was the presence of evidence indicating deceitfulness. The defence acknowledged certain undisputed facts, such as the women staying at Mashonganyika’s residence and their subsequent travel to Oman.
The three women, excited about what they believed was an opportunity to work in restaurants and hotels in Dubai, were deceived and flown to Oman instead. Upon arrival, they were cruelly assigned to work as slaves, enduring denial of food, salaries, rest, and assault. The victims were later deported back to Zimbabwe after enduring these harrowing experiences.
Denial and Contradicting Evidence
Mashonganyika and Muswe vehemently denied any involvement in facilitating the trafficking. The state presented compelling evidence from multiple witnesses linking the duo to the crime. The investigating officer presented documents in court revealing that the accused received money from a certain Mohamed Ali in Oman.
The dispute centred primarily on the accused’s role in the trafficking, and the evidence presented in court debunked their claims of innocence. The financial transactions traced back to Mohamed Ali further corroborated the prosecution’s argument. This establishes a clear link between the accused and the heinous act of human trafficking.
Magistrate Chivasa, in her comprehensive findings, asserted that the State had successfully established its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Credible witness testimonies from the three women played a crucial role in supporting the prosecution’s case.
Deceit and Exploitation Unveiled
Magistrate Chivasa emphasized that, apart from the act of facilitating trafficking from Zimbabwe to Oman, an essential aspect of the case was the presence of evidence indicating deceitfulness. The defence acknowledged certain undisputed facts, such as the women staying at Mashonganyika’s residence and their subsequent travel to Oman.
The three women, excited about what they believed was an opportunity to work in restaurants and hotels in Dubai, were deceived and flown to Oman instead. Upon arrival, they were cruelly assigned to work as slaves, enduring denial of food, salaries, rest, and assault. The victims were later deported back to Zimbabwe after enduring these harrowing experiences.
Denial and Contradicting Evidence
Mashonganyika and Muswe vehemently denied any involvement in facilitating the trafficking. The state presented compelling evidence from multiple witnesses linking the duo to the crime. The investigating officer presented documents in court revealing that the accused received money from a certain Mohamed Ali in Oman.
The dispute centred primarily on the accused’s role in the trafficking, and the evidence presented in court debunked their claims of innocence. The financial transactions traced back to Mohamed Ali further corroborated the prosecution’s argument. This establishes a clear link between the accused and the heinous act of human trafficking.
