Zimbabwe hunting down traffickers after 15 die abroad

The Government of Zimbabwe has confirmed that 15 Zimbabwean nationals have died in foreign conflict zones after being lured abroad by human trafficking syndicates under the guise of employment opportunities.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Soda Zhemu said the victims were deceived into accepting what appeared to be legitimate jobs, only to be forced into active combat upon arrival.

"To date, fifteen Zimbabwean nationals have lost their lives in foreign battlefields after being misled into these arrangements," Zhemu said.

Authorities revealed that the victims were recruited through sophisticated schemes exploiting economic hardship, with some reportedly linked to operations associated with Alabuga Special Economic Zone.

Upon arrival in foreign countries, the victims allegedly had their passports confiscated and were deployed to frontline roles without adequate military training.

Government has since ordered a crackdown on the trafficking networks, with law enforcement agencies tasked to identify and dismantle those responsible.

"Law enforcement has been instructed to identify, track and dismantle the criminal networks behind this trafficking," Zhemu said.

In response, authorities have tightened oversight of private employment agencies, which are viewed as a critical entry point for such schemes. Zimbabwe currently has 57 registered agencies, all of which will now undergo stricter vetting and licensing requirements for foreign recruitment.

"The registrar will verify all job offers in liaison with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade through embassies and consulates," Zhemu added.

Meanwhile, government is working through diplomatic channels to repatriate the remains of the deceased.

"We are engaged in complex diplomatic and logistical processes to ensure that these citizens are brought back home and laid to rest with dignity," Zhemu said.

Officials also plan to intensify public awareness campaigns on safe migration, targeting vulnerable communities through outreach programmes and social media.

Zhemu warned that beyond the tragic loss of life, the trafficking crisis carries broader financial and political implications, underscoring the urgency of coordinated action to curb the growing threat.