Four Zimbabwean men were arraigned at the Harare Magistrates’Court over the weekend, accused of trafficking Zimbabweans to Russia for labor exploitation. Obert Hlavati (35), Tonderai Maphosa (39), Tanaka Malcon Gwarada (29), and Edson Nyamudeza (49) faced charges under the Trafficking in Persons Act. The State alleged that the accused, in cahoots with a Russian national known as Ivan, plotted to traffic five Zimbabweans between February and March 2026. They promised the victims employment as firefighters with high salaries and good conditions.
Ivan reportedly lured the victims through social media platforms like Facebook, Telegram, and WhatsApp, before referring them to Gwarada, a local InDrive taxi driver. Gwarada collected payments totaling US$8,167 and transported the victims to lodgings in Harare CBD. Maphosa managed logistics for food and accommodation, while Hlavati assisted in obtaining travel documents and medical reports. Gwarada handed over the victims to Nyamudeza, an airport official who facilitated their departure.
Upon arrival in Russia, the victims were coerced into joining the Russia — Ukraine war as soldiers, rather than working as firefighters. The case came to light when the victims reported their plight to relatives in Zimbabwe, prompting the Zimbabwe Republic Police to intervene. The Department of Social Welfare is currently working to repatriate the victims, who remain in Russia.
On March 24, 2026, police intercepted four more victims at the airport, leading to the arrest of the accused. The court heard that the accused had planned to traffic these individuals as well.
Source: Impulsradio & Television Africa
