By Chisomo Sezi
Police at Jenda in the Malawi's northern district of Mzimba have arrested 27-year-old Brenda Jere for allegedly trying to sell her 11-year-old son for K2 million (US$2000) in Khosolo, as a way to cushion financial challenges at her household.
will appear before court- Mseteka
According to police spokesperson MacFarlane Mseteka confirmed that on September 21, 2024, Brenda was taken into custody after a businessman, acting as a potential buyer, alerted community members and law enforcement about the situation.
Mseteka said It is alleged that on September 12, 2024, Brenda received K150,000 (US$150) through her Airtel mobile money account, with a message claiming it was "miracle money" and inviting her to join a church.
"Facing mounting debts, Brenda withdrew the funds, allocating K100,000 (US$60) to a Catholic Commission Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) loan, K30,000 (US$30) for a village bank loan, and K20,000 (US$12) for household expenses.
However, after failing to join the church, she reported feeling unwell and faced pressure from the sender for repayment," Mseteka Said.
Desperate to resolve her financial woes, Brenda offered her son for sale, initially asking for K2 million ($US2000), which was later negotiated down to K1.5 million about (over $1,000).
The businessman arranged to meet Brenda at his shop on September 21, unaware that he had already tipped off community policing members about the plan.
"When Brenda arrived with her son, she was apprehended by the community policing team, who then contacted the Luwerezi police. She now faces charges of selling a child, in violation of Section 82 of the Child Care, Protection, and Justice Act," said Mseteka.
Brenda Jere, a resident of Satiele Jere village in Traditional Authority Khosolo, is awaiting court proceedings as officials complete the necessary paperwork.
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