Alex Ndhlovu
The Zimbabwe Republic Police have launched an investigation into the case of a 14-year-old girl alleged to have died during child birth at an apostolic church shrine in Marange.
Memory Machaya reportedly died on July 15 from pregnancy complications while giving birth.
She left behind a baby boy who is in custody of his father believed named as Evans Momberume.
The matter went viral on social media with Zimbabweans asking for justice, to which the Zimbabwe Republic Police responded with opening an investigation.
In a statement, ZRP said they are seized with the matter.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is now conducting Investigations into the case. More information will be released soon,” the statement read.
Manica Post, a publication under Zimpapers is reporting that the family is mulling taking the ‘late’ child`s 9 year old sibling to take up the marital space left – a practice known as chigadzamapfihwa.
Online petitions have already been formulated to compel authorities to act.
Human rights defender and LEAD Party President Linda Masarira said the offender must face the wrath of law and be brought to book.
“Imagine this is happening under our watch yet we purport to be advocates of women’s rights. There is no religion that is above the law. It is time that every other woman’s rights defender starts to show her real teeth and start biting. The girl has been abused and enough is enough.
I demand justice for Memory Machaya’s death and every other girl in Marange who is underage, married and pregnant,” Masarira said.
Cases of child marriages are rampant in apostolic sects.
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