Teenager arrested while trying to sell human foetus as beef

A 19-year-old man has been arrested in Harare’s Central Business District, Zimbabwe, for allegedly attempting to sell a human foetus while claiming it was beef. The suspect, identified as Stelly Marecha, was taken into custody on Friday, 4 July 2025, following a tip-off about his suspicious behaviour.

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) via their official X account, Marecha allegedly retrieved the foetus from a rubbish bin near the intersection of Mbuya Nehanda and Albion Streets. It was reportedly wrapped in a black plastic bag. The police say he then attempted to sell the remains to a 27-year-old man, insisting it was beef.

“Police in Harare arrested Stelly Marecha (19) in connection with a case of violating a corpse. The suspect allegedly picked a human foetus, which was wrapped in a black plastic bag in a bin at the corner of Mbuya Nehanda and Albion Streets, Harare CBD. He attempted to sell the remains to a 27-year-old man, claiming that it was beef,” the police statement read.

Authorities have launched an investigation to trace the origin of the foetus and are urging the public to come forward with any relevant information. “Meanwhile, the ZRP is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of the suspect responsible for disposing of the foetus,” the statement added.

The incident sparked widespread outrage and shock on social media, where Zimbabweans expressed horror over the gruesome discovery. Some questioned the safety of buying meat from informal vendors, while others reacted with dark humour, calling the act “boiled witchcraft.”