ZRP Officer and Niece Found Guilty of Trafficking Women to Oman as Slavery Victims

A suspended ZRP officer, Forward Mashonganyika and his niece have been found guilty of trafficking three women to Oman for the purpose of slavery.

The conviction came after a full trial presided over by Harare regional magistrate Estere Chivasa.

Magistrate’s Findings Confirm State’s Case

Magistrate Chivasa, in her ruling, stated that the State had successfully proven the case against Mashonganyika and his niece, Tendai Muswe, beyond a reasonable doubt. According to her, the three women who were trafficked provided compelling and credible testimony.

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The Issue of Deceitfulness

The magistrate emphasized that in addition to facilitating the trafficking from Zimbabwe to Oman, evidence of deceitfulness must be established. She highlighted several points that were not in dispute during the trial.

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The defense admitted the women stayed at Mashonganyika’s residence and traveled to Oman. The women had believed they were going to Dubai to work in hotels and restaurants, but they ended up in Oman instead.

Evidence of Enslavement and Abuse

Magistrate Chivasa further confirmed that the women had been subjected to enslavement, physical assault, denial of food and wages, lack of rest, and tlof tlof abuse. Their ordeal concluded with their deportation back to Zimbabwe. The only point of contention was whether Mashonganyika and Muswe facilitated their trafficking, which they denied. However, the State presented evidence from multiple witnesses linking the defendants to the trafficking operation.

Supporting Evidence

Crucial evidence was presented by the investigating officer, including financial documents showing money received by Mashonganyika and Muswe from Mohamed Ali in Oman. This evidence further solidified the case against them.