More than 40 Zimbabweans are reportedly stranded in Sierra Leone after being lured to the West African nation with promises of lucrative jobs by a local company working with a foreign entity.
It is alleged that upon arriving in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, the group discovered that the jobs they were promised did not exist, leaving them in a desperate situation.
Authorities have classified the stranded Zimbabweans as victims of human trafficking.
A government official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/traffickers-leave-40-locals-stranded-in-sierra-leone/">The Herald</a> that seven of the Zimbabweans managed to return home last week, while another four were expected to arrive on Tuesday but did not show up. Said the official:
<blockquote>
These people were duped into going to that country; they went with the promise of jobs but got a raw deal.
Investigations are still underway, but it seems there is a lot of negotiation taking place to release our citizens.
This issue has been silent. There is a push to release more citizens.
</blockquote>
Another official from the Social Welfare Department within the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare told The Herald that the identities of the human trafficking victims will remain confidential. Said the official:
<blockquote>
I have just been informed that the identities of human trafficking victims are protected and cannot be published.
I have received several inquiries about this issue, but after consulting with relevant authorities, I have been advised that the victims are protected under the Human Trafficking Act.
I have been told that even when the victims return home, their relatives will not be informed of their arrival, as this could potentially compromise their safety and the concern is that human trafficking rings may attempt to track down and re-traffick the victims.
</blockquote>
Simon Masanga, the Permanent Secretary for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, confirmed that the victims have not yet arrived.
He also revealed that a well-wisher is sponsoring the victims, and the government has launched an investigation into the matter.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

More than 40 people from Zimbabwe went to Sierra Leone for jobs but found out they were lied to, leaving them stranded. Some managed to come back, but the rest are still stuck. The authorities are calling it human trafficking. They are investigating and trying to bring back the victims safely. The victims' identities are being kept confidential for their safety. The government is looking into the situation and helping the victims. Everyone is working to bring them back home and keep them safe.

Over 40 Zimbabweans Stranded In Sierra Leone After Job Scam

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned an attempted coup in Sierra Leone on Sunday morning.
Earlier on Sunday, the Government of Sierra Leone declared a nationwide curfew after unidentified gunmen reportedly attacked a military barracks and attempted to break into an armoury in the capital, Freetown.
In response to the attempted illegal takeover of power in one of its members, ECOWAS issued a statement demanding the arrest and prosecution of of all participants in the attempted coup. It said:
<blockquote>
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has learnt with utter disgust a plot by certain individuals to acquire arms and disturb the peace and constitutional order in Sierra Leone.
ECOWAS condemns this act and calls for the arrest and prosecution of all participants in this illegal act.
ECOWAS reiterates its zero-tolerance for unconstitutional change of Government.
ECOWAS further underscores its commitment to supporting the government and people of Sierra Leone deepen democracy and good governance, consolidate peace and security as well as foster socio-economic development.
</blockquote>
According to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sierra-leone-security-forces-repelled-attack-barracks-govt-statement-2023-11-26/">Reuters</a>, the political situation in Sierra Leone has remained tense since the re-election of President Julius Maada Bio in a disputed election in June, the result of which was rejected by the main opposition candidate.
Anti-government protests that resulted in the death of six police officers and at least 21 civilians last August were an attempt to overthrow the government, President Maada Bio said at the time.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ECOWAS Condemns Attempted Coup In Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone has declared a nationwide curfew after unidentified gunmen reportedly attacked a military barracks and attempted to break into an armoury in the capital, Freetown.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information and Civic Education said that the security forces were in control of the situation. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
In the early hours of Sunday, November 26th, 2023, some unidentified individuals attempted to break into the military armoury at the Wilberforce barracks. They have been rebuffed.
The public is assured that the government and our state security forces are in control.
To enable the security forces to continue the process of apprehending the suspects, a nationwide curfew has been declared with immediate effect across the country. We strongly advise citizens to stay indoors.
Please follow the official Ministry of Information and Civic Education channels and our official handles for accurate information and updates on the situation.
</blockquote>
According to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sierra-leone-security-forces-repelled-attack-barracks-govt-statement-2023-11-26/">Reuters</a>, the political situation in Sierra Leone has remained tense since the re-election of President Julius Maada Bio in a disputed election in June, the result of which was rejected by the main opposition candidate.
Anti-government protests that resulted in the death of six police officers and at least 21 civilians last August were an attempt to overthrow the government, President Maada Bio said at the time.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Human Trafficking Latest News

Latest Jobs