Source: Govt warns against deadly foreign recruitment scams – herald
Wallace Ruzvidzo-Herald Reporter
Government has warned Zimbabweans against being deceived into enlisting in foreign wars by unscrupulous individuals and networks that operate with complete disregard for human life.
Addressing a press conference in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said this was not a matter of legitimate military service but a sophisticated scheme of deception, exploitation and human trafficking that had already led to the loss of 15 Zimbabwean lives.
“These traffickers use sophisticated methods, often leveraging social media platforms as their primary hunting ground.
Addressing a press conference in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said this was not a matter of legitimate military service but a sophisticated scheme of deception, exploitation and human trafficking that had already led to the loss of 15 Zimbabwean lives.
“They lure unsuspecting Zimbabweans with false promises of lucrative employment opportunities — typically advertised as security work, logistics support, or private contracting roles in foreign countries.
“The offer of employment may sound lucrative, but in many cases the money is never given, and the recruiters are nowhere to be found when something goes wrong.
“It is unfortunate that some of our migrants end up in very difficult predicaments that include human trafficking, sexual exploitation, forced labour, becoming stranded in unknown destinations, or ending up in war zones,” he said.
He said the deception followed a typical pattern where victims were promised attractive salaries and safe working conditions, but upon arrival were stripped of their travel documents and personal belongings. Instead of the promised roles, they were coerced into active combat.
They received little to no training and were placed in life‑threatening situations. When they were injured, killed or captured, the recruiters vanished, leaving families in Zimbabwe with no information, no support, and no one to hold accountable. In many cases, the promised remuneration was never paid, and families learned of their loved ones’ fates through unofficial channels.
Minister Soda said President Mnangagwa had directed his administration to act with urgency and resolve the matter.
“We are seized with this issue on several critical fronts.
“First, regarding the deceased, the Government is actively engaged in the complex diplomatic and logistical efforts required to repatriate the remains of the 15 fallen Zimbabweans.
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