Harare Teen Arrested– A disturbing incident has sent shockwaves through Harare after a 19-year-old man was arrested for allegedly attempting to sell a human foetus in the city centre, falsely claiming it was beef. The case, which has horrified many, is now under intense investigation as authorities seek to uncover the circumstances behind the shocking discovery.
The suspect Harare teen , Stelly Marecha, was arrested on Friday, 4 July 2025, after he approached a 27-year-old man in the Harare Central Business District (CBD) and tried to sell him what he described as “cheap beef.” However, the intended buyer became suspicious due to the strange appearance and smell of the parcel and alerted the authorities.
In a statement released on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the arrest and the unusual nature of the crime. “Police in Harare arrested Stelly Marecha (19) in connection with a case of violating a corpse. The suspect allegedly picked up a human foetus, which was wrapped in a black plastic bag, from a rubbish bin located at the corner of Mbuya Nehanda and Albion Streets in the Harare CBD. He then attempted to sell the remains to a 27-year-old man, falsely claiming it was beef,” read the police statement.
The gruesome discovery was made after police responded quickly to the tip-off and confronted Harare teen Marecha, who was still in possession of the plastic bag. Upon inspection, officers found what was confirmed to be a human foetus.Harare teen was immediately arrested and taken into custody for further questioning.
According to preliminary investigations, Harare teen reportedly stumbled upon the foetus while rummaging through rubbish bins in the city centre. He allegedly saw an opportunity to make quick money by selling it under the guise of meat. Authorities have since launched a full-scale investigation to determine how the foetus ended up in a public bin and to identify the person or persons responsible for disposing of it in such a manner.
The ZRP has appealed to members of the public for assistance. “We are urging anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the individual who disposed of the foetus to come forward. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” said a police spokesperson.
Harare Teen Arrested For Selling Human Foetus as Beef
“This is a deeply troubling event. It’s a case that not only involves a violation of human dignity but also highlights the need for more public education on reproductive health, responsible waste disposal, and mental health,” said a representative from a Harare-based human rights NGO. “The fact that someone could attempt to profit from such a discovery suggests a serious lack of understanding about the sanctity of life and the legal implications of such actions.”
Legal experts say Harare teen Marecha could face serious charges, including violating a corpse, improper disposal of human remains, and possibly public health offences. If convicted, he may be handed a custodial sentence, though his age may be taken into account during sentencing.
The incident also reignites debate about the growing number of illegal terminations and the lack of access to safe reproductive healthcare for vulnerable women. Some speculate that the foetus may have come from an unsafe or clandestine abortion, a tragic occurrence that remains a challenge in parts of Zimbabwe due to social stigma, restrictive laws, and limited access to medical services.
Meanwhile, Harare teen Marecha remains in custody as police continue with investigations. The authorities are awaiting post-mortem results to determine the age and condition of the foetus, which could provide crucial clues to aid in tracing its origins. Forensics experts have also been brought in to assist with the case.
As the city reels from the incident, community leaders and religious figures have called for calm and empathy while encouraging the public to cooperate with law enforcement in resolving the case.
“This is not just about criminality—it’s about a society that needs healing, education, and support systems to prevent such heartbreaking incidents,” said a local pastor.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. Police have reiterated their call for information from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area or who might have knowledge about the mother of the foetus.
