Harare, Zimbabwe.
a Zimbabweans The 26-year-old was charged on Friday with “murder” following the death last month of his wife, Anna Machaya, 14 years old, during childbirth.
The young woman’s death on July 15 caused outrage on social media. the HIM-HER-IT and several oenages condemned the circumstances of the death, and a popular petition collected more than 92,000 signatures.
Marriage before the age of 18 is illegal in Zimbabwe since 2016 and the age of consent for sexual intercourse is set at 16 years. However, Zimbabwe is one of the African countries where child marriages are more common.
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The husband Hatirarami Momberume, he was arrested this week and was brought before a court in Mutare (east) on Friday.
He was charged with “murder” for failing to drive his wife to the hospital when he began giving birth, although “he knew there was a real risk or possibility that his conduct could cause death.” according to documents from which AFP obtained a copy.
He is also accused of having sex with a minor.
The midwives who cared for Anna Machaya also appeared in court and could also be charged, as well as the minor’s parents.
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According to official statistics, a third of weddings in Zimbabwe are performed by a young minor, and in rural areas they are one in two.