Yesha
Senior Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 102
- 45
our men appeared in Harare Magistrates’ Court over the weekend, accused of trafficking Zimbabweans to Russia, where the victims were reportedly forced to take part in the Ukraine conflict.
Obert Hlavati (35), Tonderai Maphosa (39), Tanaka Malcon Gwarada (29), and Edson Nyamudeza (49) face charges under the Trafficking in Persons Act. Authorities say that between February and March 2026, the accused, in collaboration with a Russian national known only as Ivan, planned to exploit five Zimbabweans for labor in Russia.
The victims were lured with promises of firefighting jobs, high salaries, and good working conditions. Ivan recruited them via social media platforms like Facebook, Telegram, and WhatsApp, referring them to Gwarada, an InDrive taxi driver, who received US$8,167 in payments through EcoCash and a bureau de change in Harare. Gwarada then transported the victims to lodgings while Maphosa handled food and accommodation logistics, and Hlavati assisted with travel documents and medical clearances.
Once ready, the victims were taken to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, where Nyamudeza, an airport official, allegedly facilitated their departure. Upon arrival in Russia, Ivan reportedly confiscated their documents and forced them to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The scheme was uncovered after the victims contacted relatives in Zimbabwe, who alerted the police. The Department of Social Welfare is working to repatriate them. On 24 March 2026, police intercepted four more intended victims at the airport, leading to the arrest of the accused.
Obert Hlavati (35), Tonderai Maphosa (39), Tanaka Malcon Gwarada (29), and Edson Nyamudeza (49) face charges under the Trafficking in Persons Act. Authorities say that between February and March 2026, the accused, in collaboration with a Russian national known only as Ivan, planned to exploit five Zimbabweans for labor in Russia.
The victims were lured with promises of firefighting jobs, high salaries, and good working conditions. Ivan recruited them via social media platforms like Facebook, Telegram, and WhatsApp, referring them to Gwarada, an InDrive taxi driver, who received US$8,167 in payments through EcoCash and a bureau de change in Harare. Gwarada then transported the victims to lodgings while Maphosa handled food and accommodation logistics, and Hlavati assisted with travel documents and medical clearances.
Once ready, the victims were taken to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, where Nyamudeza, an airport official, allegedly facilitated their departure. Upon arrival in Russia, Ivan reportedly confiscated their documents and forced them to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The scheme was uncovered after the victims contacted relatives in Zimbabwe, who alerted the police. The Department of Social Welfare is working to repatriate them. On 24 March 2026, police intercepted four more intended victims at the airport, leading to the arrest of the accused.
