Many Zimbabweans looking for work are being deceived by a human trafficking network that promises good jobs but instead sends them to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war. This situation has sparked urgent calls for the government to take action.
To avoid these scams, the government urges people to watch out for job offers that promise upfront payments, but have unclear job details, or promise very high pay for unskilled work.
People should check if employment agencies are legitimate and talk to trusted organisations or government offices before taking jobs abroad. Reporting suspicious recruiters to the authorities can also help protect others.
A letter addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade by former broadcaster Ezra Sibanda details how an agent known only as “Shaka Zulu” allegedly recruits vulnerable Zimbabweans by offering jobs as truck drivers, security guards, and general workers.
Victims are promised a once-off payment of US$37,000 and a monthly salary of US$4,000.
Instead, upon arrival in Russia, they reportedly have their passports confiscated and are transported to military barracks. There, they undergo a two-week crash course in firearms handling before being deployed to the frontlines in Donetsk.
“They are used as expendable human shields,” the letter states, describing bodies left on battlefields without recovery and injured victims receiving little medical care.
According to the Associated Press, Zimbabwean authorities reported that 15 of the country’s citizens have died after being recruited into the Russia-Ukraine war, amid concerns over fraudulent schemes targeting Africans.
Efforts to reach “Shaka Zulu” for comment were unsuccessful, as he remained unreachable on WhatsApp.
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana confirmed the escalating crisis, stating that 18 Zimbabweans have died in the conflict.
“The State is seized with the repatriation of only four of those as there are issues around the documentation around the others,” he said.
Authorities have since uncovered a local recruitment ring. Obert Hlavati, Tonderai Maphosa, Tanaka Malcolm Gwarada and Edson Dudzayi Nyamudeza have since appeared before Harare magistrate Jessi Kufa, facing human trafficking charges.
Prosecutor Oscar Madhume told the court that the suspects worked with a Russian national identified only as Ivan to recruit victims via Facebook, Telegram and WhatsApp, falsely promising firefighting jobs.
The network allegedly housed recruits in Harare before facilitating their departure through Robert Mugabe International Airport.
On arrival, victims were forced into combat.
Information Minister Soda Zhemu said 66 Zimbabweans are still alive in the conflict, with the government working to bring them home.
“The president has directed this government to act with urgency,” Zhemu said, warning that those responsible “will face the full wrath of the law.”
With families in anguish and victims pleading for rescue, the letter urges immediate diplomatic engagement with Russia to locate, protect and repatriate Zimbabweans trapped in a war they never chose.
