Information Minister Hon Zhemu Soda has said the Government blames criminal syndicates for recruiting locals into a “deathtrap” following the deaths of 15 Zimbabweans in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Addressing a media briefing in Harare today, Hon Soda said the victims were part of a group lured by fraudulent job offers and later deployed into active war zones.
“The Government is deeply concerned by the activities of organised criminal syndicates preying on vulnerable jobseekers and funnelling them into dangerous conflict zones,” he said.
Authorities revealed that at least 81 Zimbabweans were recruited into Russia under the scheme.
Of these, 15 have since died, while 66 remain alive, many still in precarious conditions.
Hon Soda warned that those behind the illegal recruitment networks would face stern action.
“Those who are trading in the lives of our citizens for profit will face the full brunt of the law,” he said.
Government has since launched a coordinated crackdown involving security and labour authorities to dismantle the syndicates, which officials have classified as engaging in human trafficking and the unlawful facilitation of foreign military service.
Efforts are also underway to assist affected citizens, with diplomatic engagements opened to facilitate the return of survivors and the repatriation of the deceased.
“Regarding the deceased, the Government is actively engaged in the complex diplomatic and logistical processes required to repatriate the remains to ensure they are brought back home and laid to rest with dignity,” Hon Soda said.
He also issued a strong warning to the public over fraudulent recruitment agencies posing as legitimate operators.
“The Ministry wishes to alert the public of the growing number of fraudulent private employment agencies and individuals who are misleading jobseekers,” he said.
In response to the crisis, Government has tightened regulations governing foreign employment.
Recruitment agencies are now required to be fully registered, vetted and licensed, while all overseas job offers must be verified in collaboration with Zimbabwe’s foreign missions.
Officials say the measures are aimed at shutting down illegal recruitment channels and preventing further loss of life, amid growing concern over Zimbabweans being deceived into joining foreign conflicts.
Story by Jeremiah Gora
