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Over 40 Zimbabweans stranded in Sierra Leone
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More than 40 Zimbabweans are reportedly stranded in Sierra Leone after falling victim to a human trafficking syndicate that lured them with promises of lucrative jobs. The operation allegedly involves a local company collaborating with foreign counterparts to recruit unsuspecting victims.
Upon arrival in Freetown, Sierra Leone's capital, the victims discovered that the promised opportunities were nonexistent, leaving them in desperate conditions.
Seven Zimbabweans returned home last week, with another four expected yesterday, although their arrival did not materialize, according to government officials.
A senior official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that investigations are underway and negotiations are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims.
"These people were duped into going to that country with the promise of jobs but got a raw deal," the official said.
Although no arrests have been made, police and other authorities are intensifying efforts to identify and apprehend the human trafficking syndicate.
Officials from the Social Welfare Department have urged media outlets to respect the victims' privacy, citing Zimbabwe's Human Trafficking Act, which protects the identities of survivors.
"We cannot publish the identities of trafficking victims to ensure their safety. There's concern that trafficking rings might attempt to re-traffick these individuals," an official said.
The Permanent Secretary for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr. Simon Masanga, acknowledged the situation, stating that the Government is working to assist the victims.
"I was at the airport, but it appears no one arrived. We are investigating and have a well-wisher sponsoring the return of the victims," Masanga said.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that authorities are closing in on the trafficking network.
"We have gathered information about a human trafficking syndicate involving locals and foreigners. The net is closing in, and some suspects have been identified and arrested," he said.
This case highlights the growing threat of human trafficking, with calls for increased vigilance and tougher measures against criminal networks exploiting vulnerable individuals. The Zimbabwean Government has pledged to bring all victims back home and dismantle the trafficking syndicate.
Upon arrival in Freetown, Sierra Leone's capital, the victims discovered that the promised opportunities were nonexistent, leaving them in desperate conditions.
Seven Zimbabweans returned home last week, with another four expected yesterday, although their arrival did not materialize, according to government officials.
A senior official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that investigations are underway and negotiations are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims.
"These people were duped into going to that country with the promise of jobs but got a raw deal," the official said.
Although no arrests have been made, police and other authorities are intensifying efforts to identify and apprehend the human trafficking syndicate.
Officials from the Social Welfare Department have urged media outlets to respect the victims' privacy, citing Zimbabwe's Human Trafficking Act, which protects the identities of survivors.
"We cannot publish the identities of trafficking victims to ensure their safety. There's concern that trafficking rings might attempt to re-traffick these individuals," an official said.
The Permanent Secretary for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mr. Simon Masanga, acknowledged the situation, stating that the Government is working to assist the victims.
"I was at the airport, but it appears no one arrived. We are investigating and have a well-wisher sponsoring the return of the victims," Masanga said.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that authorities are closing in on the trafficking network.
"We have gathered information about a human trafficking syndicate involving locals and foreigners. The net is closing in, and some suspects have been identified and arrested," he said.
This case highlights the growing threat of human trafficking, with calls for increased vigilance and tougher measures against criminal networks exploiting vulnerable individuals. The Zimbabwean Government has pledged to bring all victims back home and dismantle the trafficking syndicate.
Source - The Herald
