The Zimbabwean government has confirmed the deaths of 15 citizens who were recruited to fight in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Information Minister Zhemu Soda revealed that many of the victims were recruited through fraudulent schemes on social media, where they were promised well-paying jobs and safe working conditions.
Instead, upon arrival, the individuals were reportedly stripped of their documents and forced into combat with little or no military training.
The government is currently working to secure the return of 66 Zimbabweans believed to still be alive in the conflict zone, while also making arrangements to repatriate the remains of those who died.
Authorities warned that such recruitment scams often target vulnerable individuals and disappear once victims are injured or killed, leaving families without support or information.
Citizens have been urged to verify all overseas job offers through official channels to avoid falling victim to similar schemes.
