The government has warned Zimbabweans against enlisting in foreign militaries, describing emerging reports of citizens who are recruited to fight abroad as a form of human trafficking.
Government spokesperson, Nick Mangwana said authorities were concerned about the safety of Zimbabweans who may be lured into conflicts under misleading circumstances.
“The government strongly advises its citizens against enlisting in the military forces of other nations,” said Mangwana on his X page.
“We are gravely concerned for the safety and well-being of our nationals abroad. Reports received indicate that in such circumstances, our compatriots may not always receive treatment equal to that of those nations’ service members.”
Mangwana, also the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, added that the risks extend beyond the battlefield, warning families could face difficulties in the event of death.
“Furthermore, in the event of a tragedy, the repatriation of mortal remains is a complex process that can deny families the crucial opportunity for closure. The safety of Zimbabweans and the peace of mind of their loved ones remain our utmost priority,” he said.
Mangwana’s remarks come after investigations by CITE uncovered cases in which Zimbabweans were recruited to travel to Russia under the pretext of civilian employment opportunities, only to reportedly undergo short-term military training and be deployed to the frontlines in the Russia–Ukraine War.
According to the investigation, some Zimbabweans were recruited locally while others were approached in neighbouring South Africa, with recruiters allegedly promising attractive salaries and benefits.
Responding to reports that some Zimbabweans were paying recruiters about US$500 to facilitate their travel to Russia, a situation that raised serious concerns about the networks involved and the desperation driving people to take such risks, Mangwana said the government regards such activities as human trafficking and warned that those involved would face legal consequences.
“Government regards these activities as human trafficking and assures the public that those engaged in such crimes will face the full force of the law,” Mangwana said.
Last week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade also urged Zimbabweans to exercise caution when accepting foreign job offers amid growing reports of citizens being lured abroad under false promises of lucrative employment.
The ministry noted that most of the recruitment agencies operate in digital spaces outside Zimbabwe’s regulatory reach, making their activities difficult for authorities to monitor.
Read the CITE investigation: https://cite.org.zw/zimbabweans-lured-to-russias-war-inside-the-deceptive-recruitment-network-drawing-civilians-to-the-frontlines/
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