Harare woman appears in court facing human trafficking charges after luring victims to Russia under the false promise of lucrative employment, only for them to be forced to fight for Russia in the ongoing war against Ukraine
Resnath Chingombe appeared before regional magistrate Mr Francis Mapfumo, charged with human trafficking. She was remanded in custody to April 17 after prosecutor Mr Blessed Songozo opposed bail.
The court heard that between January and April 2026, Chingombe allegedly acted in connivance with a Russian accomplice, identified only as Curious and who remains at large, to recruit eight victims for labour exploitation in Russia.
It is alleged that Chingombe misrepresented to the victims that they would be employed as truck drivers and fire fighters, offering attractive salaries and favourable working conditions.
In furtherance of the alleged scheme, she is said to have arranged accommodation for the victims at Elizabeth Hotel in Harare while facilitating the processing of their visas and air tickets, with assistance from her accomplice in Russia.
She allegedly supplied the victims with copies of travel documents, including visas, hotel bookings and flight details. Upon arrival in Russia, the victims were reportedly received by the accomplice, who confiscated their travel documents. Instead of the promised jobs, they were allegedly subjected to a 10-day basic firearms training programme before being deployed to the front lines of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The court heard that the victims were forced to participate in the fighting, with some reportedly losing their lives in the conflict. The matter came to light after the victims communicated their ordeal to relatives in Zimbabwe, who subsequently alerted the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
Efforts are under way by the Department of Social Welfare to facilitate the repatriation of the victims, who remain stranded in Russia.
Chingombe was later arrested, leading to her court appearance.
Reports have emerged of hundreds of African men being enticed to fight for Russia in Ukraine with promises of civilian jobs and high salaries. Zimbabwe has become the latest African country to confirm that its citizens were fraudulently recruited into Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Last month, the Government confirmed that 15 Zimbabwean nationals had died while fighting for Russia in the Russia-Ukraine war. Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said Zimbabweans were being lured by unscrupulous job agents operating from abroad.
It is estimated that about 81 Zimbabweans were trafficked, with 66 believed to be still alive. Government is at present engaging with the Russian authorities to secure the safe return of the 66 Zimbabweans, as well as the repatriation of the bodies.
Herald
