Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has finally arrested Hatirarami Momberume in connection with the pregnancy and death of a minor at Marange shrine.
The arrest follows a picture of the deceased child, Anna Machaya who appeared pregnant circulated on social media causing a public outcry for the country’s authorities to act on the incident.
In a statement police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest.
“The police indeed conducted comprensive investigations culminating in the arrest of Hatirarami Momberume (26) alias Evans Momberume,” he said.
“It is correct that Anna Machaya died on 15th July 2021 and was biried at the shrine after experiencing complications while giving birth.”
ZRP is also coming after Anna’s parents, Edmore Machaya (45), the father and Shy Mabika (36) the mother for obstructing justice.
Nyathi said, ” The parents openly lied to the Police that Anna Machaya was born on 2nd January 1999. This was false.”
“Investigations have revealed that the identity card produced to the police belonged to a namesake of the late minor who is a daughter to Ernest Machaya. This is an uncle to the late Anna Machaya.”
“It is through school records in Mhondoro that the Police actually proved that the late Anna Machaya was born on 5 July 2006 to Edmore Machaya and Shy Mabika,” explained Nyathi.
“We also call upon the Parliament of Zimbabwe to expedite the legislation into law that it becomes compulsory for all school going children to be at school on the state’s expense.”
It is also believed that child marriage cases are rampant within the sect that keep the marriages in a secretive manor.
Zimbabwe’s age of consent to sexual activities in 16 and the old age in 18.
Momberume is facing charges of rape or contravening section 70 of the code.
Anna’s parents will face charges of pledging a minor after trying to hand over another minor aged nine years to Momberume.
