15 Zimbabweans killed in Ukraine war

At least 15 Zimbabweans have died in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War after being lured into foreign military service through suspected human trafficking syndicates, government has revealed.

Information Minister Zhemu Soda said on Wednesday that dozens of citizens were deceived by fake employment agencies promising lucrative overseas jobs, only to be recruited into foreign armed forces.

According to government figures, a total of 81 Zimbabweans were enlisted into the Russian military under these circumstances, with 15 confirmed dead so far.

"To date, fifteen Zimbabwean nationals have lost their lives in foreign battlefields after being deceived into enlisting in foreign wars," said Soda. "This is not a matter of legitimate military service. It is a sophisticated scheme of deception, exploitation and human trafficking."

Authorities say the recruitment process typically begins on social media, where so-called "ghost" agencies advertise high-paying opportunities aimed at exploiting economic hardship. Victims are then reportedly transported out of the country, where their passports and personal belongings are confiscated, leaving them trapped before deployment to active war zones.

Government has since engaged Russian authorities to facilitate the return of the 66 Zimbabweans believed to still be alive, as well as the repatriation of those who died.

"The government is actively engaged in the diplomatic and logistical processes required to repatriate the remains of the fifteen fallen Zimbabweans," Soda said, adding that efforts are underway to ensure they are brought home and buried with dignity.

He also said security agencies have been tasked with intensifying investigations into the syndicates behind the illegal recruitment.

"The security cluster has been instructed to identify and dismantle the criminal networks behind these trafficking operations. Those responsible will face the full wrath of the law," he said.

Authorities have warned that all employment agencies facilitating foreign placements must be properly registered and approved, stressing that failure to comply constitutes a criminal offence under Zimbabwean law.

The revelations highlight growing concerns over human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable job seekers, as economic pressures continue to drive some Zimbabweans to seek opportunities abroad under risky and often deceptive circumstances.