A shocking case of child trafficking has led to the arrest of two women, Chantel Hlatywayo, 21, and her aunt, Sibongile Hlatywayo, 64, who appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court facing charges of trafficking minors.
The accused, relatives from Chipinge, allegedly devised a scheme to recruit and transport children from rural areas under the pretext of enrolling them in schools in Harare. Instead, the minors — all under the age of 15 — were allegedly forced into vending along Samora Machel Avenue, where they were exploited for personal gain.
The scheme began to unravel after Chantel appeared on Star FM’s Tilda Live programme, “Zvinoyera Zvinoshamisa Zvinoda Kufumurwa,” on January 27, 2026. During the broadcast, she narrated an emotional account of a troubled upbringing and claimed she was struggling to care for her siblings while living on the streets.
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She appealed for public assistance, but a listener, alerted by a church member, grew suspicious and contacted the programme’s host, Tilda Moyo. Subsequent inquiries revealed that Chantel had allegedly fabricated the story, prompting the informant to report the matter to Star FM.
On January 29, 2026, Chantel and her aunt arrived at Star FM to collect donations, accompanied by three children. The matter was reported to Social Welfare officials, who intervened, leading to the arrest of the two women.
Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the exploitation of the minors, who were reportedly left behind in Waterfalls. The accused have been remanded in custody as investigations continue.
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