Zimbabwean Man Alleges He Was Tricked Into Drug Smuggling Network After Job Offer Abroad

A Zimbabwean man claims he was lured abroad with promises of employment before being allegedly forced into a drug trafficking operation that left him stranded and effectively captive in the Middle East.

According to reports, Benito Chimbaru's ordeal began after he was introduced to a woman identified only as Memory by a former schoolmate, Kundai. The pair allegedly presented him with what appeared to be a legitimate job opportunity in Ethiopia. Believing he was travelling for employment, Chimbaru reportedly left Zimbabwe in March, travelling by bus to South Africa before boarding a flight to Ethiopia. The airline tickets were allegedly arranged and paid for by Kundai.

Upon arrival in Ethiopia, Chimbaru said he was met by a Nigerian national who transported him to a hotel. It was there, he claims, that the promised employment opportunity took a disturbing turn.

According to Chimbaru's account, he was allegedly compelled to swallow seven sachets containing unknown substances. He later came to believe that the packages contained illegal drugs. Afterwards, he was reportedly flown to Oman, where he allegedly excreted the sachets before being handed over to another individual linked to the operation.

Chimbaru alleges that he was subsequently held against his will and subjected to harsh conditions. Despite the restrictions placed on him, he reportedly managed to gain temporary access to a cellphone and contacted his mother, Clarisa Mashavira, on 25 May. In the message, he reportedly described his circumstances and indicated that he had very limited opportunities to communicate, preventing him from providing full details of his situation.

The message prompted Mashavira to seek assistance from law enforcement authorities. She subsequently filed a police report naming Memory and Kundai in connection with the allegations. Sources indicate that the matter was reported at Mabvuku Police Station under reference number RRB 6870338. Efforts to obtain official comment from the Zimbabwe Republic Police were unsuccessful. National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi could not immediately be reached for comment regarding the case.

The allegations come amid growing concerns across Africa about organised criminal networks that exploit vulnerable job seekers by offering employment opportunities abroad that later turn out to be linked to human trafficking, drug smuggling, or forced labour. Authorities and anti-trafficking organisations have repeatedly warned prospective migrants to verify employment offers through official channels and to be cautious of recruiters who arrange travel without clear contracts, employer details, or legal documentation.

At this stage, the allegations made by Chimbaru have not been tested in court, and investigations are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding his travel, the individuals involved, and whether any criminal offences were committed. The case highlights the risks faced by desperate job seekers who may be targeted by sophisticated recruitment networks operating across multiple countries, often using promises of overseas employment to lure victims into dangerous situations.

Zimbabwe drug trafficking