By Revesai Mavetera
Social Media Platforms Exploited to Lure Victims with Promises of Lucrative Jobs
In a recent report presented to the Zimbabwean parliament’s defense, home affairs, and security services committee, shocking revelations have emerged about the surge in human trafficking cases within the country. The committee was informed that in 2022 alone, a staggering 139 Zimbabweans fell victim to human trafficking after being enticed with promises of well-paying employment opportunities both domestically and internationally.
The Director for Legal Services for the Inter-Ministerial Committee on trafficking in persons, Prisca Madziviridze, shared alarming statistics during the committee hearing. Last year, a total of 69 cases involving 139 Zimbabwean victims were recorded and thoroughly investigated. Out of the seven accused individuals apprehended for their involvement in human trafficking, four were linked to cases in Oman, while the remaining three were connected to domestic trafficking incidents. The four individuals implicated in the Oman trafficking cases are currently facing prosecution.
Of particular concern is the prevalent use of social media platforms in the recruitment of trafficking victims. Madziviridze highlighted that many victims in the Oman cases were enticed through popular platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook groups. It was within these virtual spaces that they were promised highly attractive jobs with competitive salaries and favorable working conditions.
To underscore the gravity of the situation, an illustrative case from May 2022 was brought to the committee’s attention. Ivy Nyashano, the perpetrator in this instance, allegedly lured seven victims, primarily underage girls aged between 12 and 16, from Chikangwe in Karoi. Nyashano offered them employment as shop attendants in Buffalo Downs, within the same town. However, the victims were subsequently transported to Chitungwiza, where they were coerced into alcohol and drug use, ultimately being forced into prostitution. Thankfully, three of the victims managed to escape and reported the harrowing ordeal to the authorities. Consequently, Nyashano was apprehended, tried, and convicted in the same month.
Zimbabwe’s plight as a source country for human traffickers gained international attention when instances emerged of women who had been lured to the Middle East under the false pretense of lucrative employment opportunities, only to be subjected to slavery. In response to these distressing incidents, the government ordered a comprehensive investigation, leading to the subsequent rescue of these victims.
Moreover, it was discovered that numerous women were trafficked to Oman as domestic workers, enduring deplorable conditions and receiving meager monthly wages ranging from US$60 to US$80.
The rise in human trafficking cases within Zimbabwe is a grave concern, prompting the government and relevant authorities to intensify their efforts in combating this heinous crime. Measures are being implemented to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and to enhance the legal framework for prosecuting perpetrators.
The parliamentary committee has stressed the need for increased vigilance and the strengthening of law enforcement agencies’ capacity to effectively tackle human trafficking networks. Efforts are also underway to collaborate with international partners to exchange best practices and knowledge in combating this transnational crime.
