Homeless Harare mother appeals for help after family ends up on the streets A 39-year-old Harare mother who has been living in the open with her four children for the past week says her three daughters are facing daily threats from men and youths allegedly attempting to lure them into sexual exploitation. Nyarai Dimingo said her family became homeless after the Westgate property where she had worked as a domestic worker since 2012 was sold, leaving her without employment or accommodation. The family is now sheltering near Mt Pleasant Post Office in Harare, relying on well-wishers for food while searching for work and a place to stay. Dimingo said her greatest concern is the safety of her daughters, aged 11, 13 and 19, who she claims are being approached by intoxicated youths and adult men during the night. "During the night, drunken street kids and some men have been threatening the girls," she said. "They offer them money, not for help, but in exchange for sexual favours." Residents living near the shopping centre told H-Metro they had witnessed men approaching the girls and feared they were attempting to exploit the family's vulnerable circumstances. The youngest of Dimingo's four children, an eight-year-old boy, is also living on the streets with the family. According to Dimingo, none of her children has attended school since 2024 because of financial hardship and unstable living conditions. She said she separated from her husband, Nolan Eleven, in 2019. At the time, the couple both worked in Westgate, with Dimingo employed as a housemaid while her husband worked as a gardener. When her employer sold the property, she said she was left with nowhere to go. "I left Westgate with a few belongings, including one blanket, and we have been sleeping outside," she said. The family initially sought shelter elsewhere before relocating to Mt Pleasant in search of a safer environment. "We moved to Mt Pleasant Post Office because the street kids started to torment us during the night." "Drunkards are also making our lives unbearable. We are now relying on well-wishers for food." Child protection organisations have long warned that homelessness significantly increases the risk of children, particularly girls, being exposed to sexual exploitation, trafficking and gender-based violence. According to UNICEF Zimbabwe, children living on the streets or without adequate adult protection face heightened risks of abuse and are often forced into unsafe situations to survive. Social welfare experts say families facing homelessness require urgent intervention, including temporary shelter, psychosocial support, access to education and protection services to safeguard children from exploitation. Dimingo has appealed for employment, saying she is willing to take any honest job to provide for her family. "I am looking for any kind of work. I can work as a housemaid, a till operator or do any other job that can help me look after my children." Her plea comes amid growing economic pressures that continue to leave many low-income households vulnerable to homelessness and food insecurity. Authorities and organisations providing child protection and social welfare services have not yet commented on the family's situation. Homeless Harare mother

Dynamos and four coaches agree to mutual separation Dynamos Football Club has reached a mutual separation agreement with four members of its technical team after withdrawing all allegations previously levelled against them, bringing an end to weeks of uncertainty at the Premier Soccer League giants. In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the Harare-based club and the Sports and Recreation National Workers Union of Zimbabwe (SRNWUZ) confirmed that Genesis Mangombe, Newsome Mutema, Tonderai Marume and Britto Gwere had mutually agreed to terminate their contracts with immediate effect. The union represented the four coaches during negotiations with the club following their suspension pending internal disciplinary processes. According to the statement, all allegations relating to alleged match-fixing, the use of juju and insubordination have been withdrawn, while the suspensions imposed on the coaches have been lifted. "The parties engaged and agreed to mutually terminate their contractual relationship and draw up a Mutual Separation and Release Agreement," the joint statement said. Dynamos confirmed that the four coaches have been fully cleared and are now free to pursue opportunities elsewhere. "All coaches involved are hereby deemed cleared to take up new roles with any other club of their choice henceforth." The club also wished the quartet success in the next stage of their careers. "Dynamos Football Club wishes them well in their future endeavours." The Sports and Recreation National Workers Union of Zimbabwe said the matter had been resolved through dialogue, with both parties acting in the interests of Zimbabwean football. "The parties mutually engaged each other in good faith for the advancement of football and reaffirm that football must remain the winner." The agreement closes a chapter that had generated intense debate within Zimbabwean football after the coaches were suspended over allegations that included match-fixing, the use of juju and insubordination. Their suspension had raised questions among supporters about the future direction of the club's technical department. By withdrawing all allegations as part of the settlement, Dynamos has effectively cleared the four coaches of the accusations that led to their suspension. The development is expected to pave the way for the coaches to resume their careers without disciplinary restrictions, while Dynamos continues its efforts to stabilise its technical structures during the ongoing Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season. Dynamos, one of Zimbabwe's most successful football clubs, has endured a turbulent campaign marked by inconsistent performances, technical changes and increasing pressure from supporters eager to see the Glamour Boys return to title contention. The club has not yet announced whether replacements for the departing coaches will be appointed immediately. Dynamos coaches mutual separation

The Government has announced that Air Zimbabwe will resume direct flights between Harare and London by the end of July 2026, ending a 15-year absence from one of the airline's most strategic international routes. The announcement was made by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Zhemu Soda, during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday. Soda said the national carrier will operate the route using a leased Airbus A330-300 from Spanish airline Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas, with the aircraft offering a total capacity of 302 passengers. "The nation is advised that the Airline will resume operations by the end of July 2026 and will utilise a leased Airbus A330-300 aircraft from Plus Ultra in Spain with a combined 302 seats, having a configuration of 30 business class and 272 economy seats," said Soda. He said the airline will initially operate three return flights a week between Harare and London. "The airline will initially operate three weekly frequencies between Harare and London on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays." The resumption of the route marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwe's aviation sector, with direct air connectivity expected to improve travel for the large Zimbabwean diaspora in the United Kingdom while strengthening trade, tourism and investment links between the two countries. Air Zimbabwe last operated direct services to London in December 2011, when mounting financial difficulties, creditor action and operational constraints forced the airline to suspend its Boeing 767-200 services. The carrier subsequently withdrew from several international routes as it battled debt, ageing aircraft and fleet shortages. Over the past decade, successive governments have announced plans to revive the Harare-London route, but those efforts were delayed by financial constraints, regulatory requirements and the need to modernise the airline's fleet. Industry analysts say the return of direct flights could significantly reduce travel times for passengers, who currently rely on connecting services through regional and Middle Eastern hubs such as Addis Ababa, Johannesburg, Doha, Dubai and Nairobi. The route is also expected to benefit Zimbabwe's export sector, particularly producers of fresh flowers, berries and other horticultural products that require reliable and faster access to European markets. Tourism operators have welcomed the announcement, saying direct air links could boost visitor arrivals from the United Kingdom, traditionally one of Zimbabwe's key tourism source markets. However, aviation experts say the long-term success of the service will depend on sustained passenger demand, competitive fares, operational reliability and the airline's ability to maintain regular schedules in a highly competitive international market. Air Zimbabwe has not yet announced ticket prices or confirmed the London airport it will serve, but further operational details are expected before the inaugural flight later this month. The relaunch comes as the Government continues efforts to rebuild the national airline and restore its presence on regional and long-haul international routes. Air Zimbabwe Harare London flights

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Act No. 3 into law, marking one of the most far-reaching constitutional reforms since the adoption of the 2013 Constitution. The signing follows the Bill's approval by both the National Assembly and the Senate, completing the legislative process after months of heated political debate and legal challenges. The new law introduces sweeping changes to Zimbabwe's electoral system, presidential succession, Parliament and the judiciary. The enactment is expected to reshape Zimbabwe's governance architecture ahead of the next electoral cycle and has already drawn sharply contrasting reactions from supporters, who argue the reforms will promote political stability, and critics, who say they weaken democratic accountability. Among the most significant changes is the replacement of the direct election of the President by universal suffrage with election by a joint sitting of Parliament. Presidential, parliamentary and local authority terms have also been extended from five years to seven years under the new constitutional framework. The legislation also expands the Senate from 80 to 90 members by giving the President powers to appoint an additional 10 senators based on professional skills and expertise. Responsibility for voter registration will move from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to the Registrar-General, while a newly established Electoral Delimitation Commission will take over constituency and ward boundary delimitation functions. Other key provisions include the removal of mandatory public interviews for senior judicial appointments, the creation of the office of Judge President of the Supreme Court, and new succession rules requiring Parliament to elect a replacement President within 30 days should the office become vacant, with the Vice-President serving in an acting capacity during the transition. The law also requires the Attorney-General to possess qualifications equivalent to those of a Supreme Court judge and broadens the Supreme Court's appellate jurisdiction on important points of law where leave to appeal is granted. The constitutional reforms have divided opinion across Zimbabwe. Government officials and ZANU-PF legislators have argued that the amendments will strengthen governance, reduce the frequency of elections and provide greater policy continuity for national development. However, opposition parties, constitutional lawyers, churches and civil society organisations have criticised the law, describing it as a significant concentration of executive power and arguing that several of the changes should have been subjected to a national referendum. Political analyst Derek Matyszak of the Institute for Security Studies has previously argued that constitutional reforms should preserve public participation and institutional checks and balances, warning that extensive changes to electoral and governance systems require broad national consensus. With the President's assent now secured, the Constitution Amendment Act No. 3 takes effect, setting the stage for a new constitutional order that will shape Zimbabwe's political landscape for years to come. Key provisions of Constitution Amendment Act No. 3 President to be elected by Parliament instead of through a direct popular vote. Presidential, parliamentary and local authority terms extended from five to seven years. Senate expanded from 80 to 90 members through the appointment of 10 additional presidential nominees. Voter registration transferred from ZEC to the Registrar-General. Establishment of a new Electoral Delimitation Commission. Public interviews for senior judicial appointments abolished. Creation of the office of Judge President of the Supreme Court. Vice-President to act as President until Parliament elects a substantive successor within 30 days. Attorney-General required to hold qualifications equivalent to those of a Supreme Court judge. Supreme Court granted wider appellate jurisdiction on important questions of law. Constitution Amendment Act No. 3 Zimbabwe

ZESA Holdings has identified the cause of the nationwide power outage that plunged Zimbabwe into darkness on Monday evening, saying the blackout was triggered by a major fault on a key transmission line that also destabilised the country's electricity generation system. The power utility said the outage began at 6:24 pm on Monday, 6 July 2026, when a fault occurred on the Warren-Alaska 330kV transmission line, disrupting Zimbabwe's interconnections with neighbouring power utilities. In a technical update issued on Tuesday, ZESA said the transmission fault led to wider instability across the national grid. "At 1824 hours, a major electrical fault occurred on the Warren-Alaska 330kV line leading to loss of interconnections with neighbouring regional utilities," the utility said. According to ZESA, the disruption then affected domestic electricity generation. "Subsequently local generation was lost due to voltage instability and under frequency." The explanation provides the first detailed account of what caused the nationwide blackout. Shortly after the outage on Monday evening, ZESA had only said that a technical fault had occurred on its network and that engineers were investigating the cause. Restoration efforts began at 7:01 pm, less than an hour after the outage started. ZESA said engineers restored power by securing electricity supplies from Eskom, Kariba Power Station and Hydro Cahora Bassa, while Hwange Power Station Units 1, 2 and 3 were gradually brought back into service. "We are pleased to advise that by 2200 hours, power had been successfully restored to most of our bulk supply points across the country," the utility said. The power utility said work was continuing to synchronise the remaining generating units at Hwange Power Station and complete repairs at Warren Substation, which supplies electricity to parts of Harare. "Our technical teams are working tirelessly to restore and synchronise the remaining units at Hwange Power Station and to conduct works at the Warren Substation, which supplies parts of Harare," ZESA said. The nationwide outage affected homes, businesses and industries across Zimbabwe before electricity supplies were gradually restored later in the evening. ZESA apologised for the disruption and thanked customers for their patience while engineers worked to stabilise the national grid. The latest statement follows ZESA's initial announcement on Monday evening confirming that a nationwide outage had occurred due to a technical fault and assuring the public that restoration efforts were underway. ZESA nationwide blackout

NACZ urges postponement of South African artistes' performances in Zimbabwe The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has urged local event promoters to consider postponing performances by South African artistes amid growing public anger over the reported harassment of foreign nationals in South Africa. NACZ chief executive officer Napoleon Nyanhi said the appeal is a precautionary measure aimed at safeguarding both performers and audiences, rather than a boycott of South African entertainers. Speaking during an interview on Star FM last week, Nyanhi said promoters should carefully assess the prevailing public mood before proceeding with events featuring South African acts. “Regarding South African artistes who have been booked to perform in Zimbabwe, there has been a growing call on social media for them to postpone or cancel their performances because of the current situation,” Nyanhi said. “I do not see this as punishment or prejudice against the artistes. Rather, I see it as promoters being mindful of the prevailing public sentiment.” The remarks come as anti-foreigner sentiment in parts of South Africa has once again drawn widespread concern, with reports of intimidation, forced business closures and attacks targeting foreign nationals, including Zimbabweans. Previous waves of xenophobic violence have claimed lives, displaced communities and strained diplomatic relations across Southern Africa. The South African Human Rights Commission and regional bodies have repeatedly condemned such attacks and called for stronger protection of migrants. Nyanhi stressed that Zimbabwe's admiration for South African music and culture remains intact, saying the recommendation is solely about ensuring public safety. “At the moment, it may not be safe for artistes such as Mafikizolo, Makhadzi, Daliwonga, or any other South African act to perform in Zimbabwe,” he said. “This is not because Zimbabweans suddenly dislike them or no longer want them here. “We are simply saying that, for their own safety, it would be better for them to wait.” He warned that heightened emotions could lead to disruptions at live shows, potentially placing artistes, organisers and concertgoers at risk. “There is a real possibility that performances could be disrupted, with artistes being forced off stage or even injured. Promoters should therefore act responsibly and prioritise safety.” Entertainment industry observers say event organisers have a legal and ethical duty to conduct thorough risk assessments before staging public gatherings, particularly when there is evidence of heightened public tension. Arts analyst Plot Mhako, founder of Jibilika Dance Trust, has previously argued that the arts should remain a platform for cultural dialogue rather than political retaliation, while acknowledging that organisers must take audience safety seriously when planning international events. Despite the advisory, the NACZ has not announced an official ban on South African performers. Instead, it has encouraged promoters to engage artists, security agencies and other stakeholders before confirming scheduled concerts. The development comes as Zimbabwe and South Africa continue to enjoy deep cultural and economic ties, with South African musicians regularly attracting large audiences in Zimbabwe and Zimbabwean artistes maintaining strong followings across the border. NACZ South African artistes

Sydney Chihombe arrested over Mvurwi residential stands fraud investigation Former Mvurwi Town Council employee Sydney Chihombe, who allegedly fled Zimbabwe after being implicated in a multi-million-dollar residential stands fraud, has been arrested after spending nearly five years on the run. Authorities confirmed that Chihombe was apprehended over the weekend while allegedly attempting to board a flight in neighbouring South Africa before being returned to Zimbabwe to face prosecution. "We arrested him and took him to Mvurwi Police Station where investigations are underway," a law enforcement source said. His arrest revives one of Zimbabwe's most high-profile local authority land fraud cases, in which council officials were accused of illegally selling residential stands despite a council resolution suspending all allocations. According to court records, Mvurwi Town Council resolved during a full council meeting on October 3, 2018, to suspend the sale of residential stands. However, prosecutors allege that between October 10, 2018, and June 2020, Chihombe and three other council officials conspired to continue selling stands to unsuspecting home seekers. The State alleges that the accused targeted desperate home seekers, falsely claiming they had authority to allocate residential stands before issuing counterfeit council receipts to buyers. An internal audit later uncovered the alleged fraud, revealing that 32 prospective homeowners had been duped, with the council suffering prejudice amounting to approximately ZWL$18.8 million under the then-prevailing currency system. When the matter first came before the courts in 2021, Chihombe had already disappeared, while three of his alleged accomplices, including senior council officials, appeared before the Guruve Magistrates' Court facing fraud charges. One victim, who requested anonymity because the criminal proceedings are ongoing, said the promised residential stand never materialised despite full payment. "We trusted the receipts because they looked genuine. Many families invested their life savings hoping to build homes, only to discover years later that the allocations were fraudulent." Legal expert Kumbirai Mafunda, executive director of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, says public corruption cases involving land transactions highlight the importance of transparent local authority governance. "Fraud involving public resources undermines confidence in public institutions and has devastating financial consequences for ordinary citizens. Swift investigations and fair prosecution are essential to restoring public trust," Mafunda has previously said on the importance of accountability in public administration. Chihombe is expected to face charges including fraud and criminal abuse of office under Zimbabwean law. Police investigations are continuing, and authorities have not ruled out additional charges should further evidence emerge. The case comes as Zimbabwe continues to tighten its fight against corruption and fraudulent land allocations, with law enforcement agencies increasingly targeting property-related scams that have left many prospective homeowners counting heavy losses. Sydney Chihombe arrested

Zimbabwe Warriors and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Divine Lunga escaped unharmed after shots were fired at the vehicle he was travelling in during an incident in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, on Monday. South African police have opened an attempted murder investigation following the shooting, which reportedly occurred on 6 July 2026. According to Kaya 959, Lunga was travelling with friends in a blue BMW along Tudhope Street when they were approached by an unidentified man seeking assistance. The man allegedly mistook Lunga and his companions for undercover traffic officers and claimed that the occupants of a vehicle ahead had robbed him of R34,000. According to police, Lunga and his friends then decided to follow the suspected vehicle. During the pursuit, one of the occupants of the vehicle allegedly opened fire on Lunga's BMW. "Acting with the intention of assisting the African male, Lunga and his friends decided to follow the suspected vehicle," a South African Police Service (SAPS) statement said. "During the pursuit, one of the occupants of the suspected vehicle allegedly fired shots towards Lunga's vehicle. "One of the bullets struck the BMW, leaving a bullet hole. Fortunately, no injuries were sustained." Lunga and the other occupants of the vehicle were not injured during the incident. Hillbrow police have since registered a case of attempted murder and launched an investigation into the shooting. No arrests had been made at the time of publication. The incident comes as Lunga continues to feature for South African Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns while remaining a key member of Zimbabwe's senior national football team, the Warriors. Police investigations are continuing. Divine Lunga shooting incident

Police have launched an investigation into the death of a 13-year-old Falcon College pupil who drowned during a canoeing incident at the school's dam in March after his family raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Jared Boka, a Form One pupil at the prestigious Esigodini-based school, died on 22 March 2026 after he reportedly went missing while canoeing with another learner. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed that investigations are now underway following a formal complaint by the family. ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police would establish the facts surrounding the incident. "I can confirm that this case has been brought to our attention by the family. They raised allegations and, as police, we have instituted investigations to unravel the truth," said Commissioner Nyathi. More than three months after Jared's death, the family says it is still waiting for official findings explaining how the incident occurred. The family has also raised concerns over reports that Jared's legs were tied together when his body was recovered from the dam approximately 14 hours after he was reported missing. A family representative said they have repeatedly requested information from the authorities but are yet to receive the investigation report. "Jared was an excellent swimmer, and for him to drown is shocking. We are told that his legs were tied when the body was retrieved from the dam, but these claims can only be authenticated when we are given the investigation report," the representative told B-Metro. The family has also questioned the level of supervision provided during the canoeing activity, asking how pupils were able to access the dam without school officials being present. When contacted for comment, Falcon College headmaster David Kirkman said the school could not comment on matters that are the subject of an active police investigation. He said the school was cooperating fully with investigators. In the wake of Jared's death, the Boka family has launched an online petition calling on the Government to establish a National Child Safeguarding and School Safety Framework for Zimbabwean schools. Family representative Samantha Boka said the initiative seeks to strengthen child protection measures and prevent similar tragedies. She said parents entrust schools with the safety of their children and called for nationally standardised safety protocols. Among the proposals are mandatory child safeguarding policies, emergency response plans, designated safety officers, regular safety audits and appropriate lifesaving equipment, including life jackets and first aid kits where water-based activities are conducted. The Falcon College investigation comes amid renewed concern over child safety following another recent drowning tragedy in Manicaland. Last month, police arrested two non-teaching employees at a mission school in Penhalonga on allegations of culpable homicide after two children, aged five and six, drowned in a disused swimming pool on the school premises. Police investigations into the Falcon College incident are continuing. Falcon College pupil drowning investigation

Zimbabwe was plunged into a nationwide power outage on Monday evening after a technical fault disrupted the national electricity grid, power utility ZESA Holdings has confirmed. In a statement issued on Monday, 6 July 2026, ZESA said the outage occurred at 6:24 pm and affected electricity supplies across the country. The utility said engineers are investigating the cause of the fault while working to restore power as quickly as possible. "ZESA Holdings wishes to inform its valued stakeholders of a nationwide power outage that occurred today, Monday, 6 July, at 1824 hours due to a technical fault on our network," the company said. ZESA said its technical teams were simultaneously investigating the cause of the outage and carrying out restoration work to stabilise the national grid. "Our technical teams are currently investigating the cause of the outage. Simultaneously, restoration efforts are underway, and our engineers are working to restore grid stability and bring back power in the shortest possible time." The utility said further updates would be issued as restoration efforts progressed. "Further updates will be provided as restoration progresses. "We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused." The outage affected homes, businesses and industries across Zimbabwe, with users on social media reporting widespread blackouts in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru, Masvingo and other towns. ZESA had not immediately disclosed the nature of the technical fault or provided an estimated restoration time. The power utility urged customers to remain patient while engineers worked to restore normal electricity supplies. Zimbabwe nationwide power outage

After sharing my traumatic journey with indigenous Mutamba fruit, today I have a rather juicy tale about strawberries. The strawberry fruit even has a dedicated Museum. Next time you visit Belgium, pass through the Strawberry Museum. Most of us just buy and eat fruit because of the taste and colour. Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside, and a plant can produce fruit for about five years. We have more than 600 different types of strawberries in the world. Let’s take a stroll to the strawberry lane…….. Strawberries originally grew in the wild forests, small, juicy, and sweet. The modern strawberry found its way into the garden when farmers across Europe continued to cross pollinate many varieties. Thanks to their experiments, today we enjoy bigger, tastier strawberry varieties. The healthiest parts of a strawberry are its leaves (calyx), the outer red flesh, and the seeds. Each provides distinct nutritional benefits, but combined they offer the maximum antioxidant and vitamin intake. The more intense the red, the more packed with nutrients it is. The tiny seeds dotted on the outside are an excellent source of dietary fiber and contain procyanidins, which are potent antioxidants. Strawberries are loaded with a mega-dose of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants called polyphenols. Just one cup of these low-calorie berries provides 3 grams of dietary fiber, over 100% of your daily vitamin C, and fuels your body with zero fat, cholesterol, or sodium. Here are some of their health benefits; Immune booster: For a healthy immune system, just one serving offers more Vitamin C than an orange, helps to ward off infections, and supports wound healing. Healthy Heart: The Bible encourages us to guard our hearts. The high anthocyanin and potassium content helps reduce blood pressure, lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and decrease overall systemic inflammation. Stabilises Blood Sugar: Despite their sweet taste, they have a low glycemic index and can slow down the digestion of glucose, potentially reducing post-meal insulin spikes. Enhanced Brain Power: For hectic Monday mornings, strawberries are your best bet! The rich antioxidant profile may delay age-related cognitive decline and support long-term memory. Promote Healthy Skin: For signature skin that glows even in the dark, increase your intake of strawberries. High amounts of Vitamin C combat free radicals, boost collagen production, and protect against sun damage. Smooth Digestion: Happiness begins with a functioning digestive system. Strawberries promote smooth digestion. Hydration: If you find yourself with no water but strawberries within reach, you have the best water. Strawberries are 90% water. Eat strawberries like you were in the Garden of Eden and reap immense health benefits. Some make smoothies, others love strawberries baked or juiced. And if you want an endless supply, be sure to plant them in your garden! Disclaimer This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. Dr Precious Sibiya, a mother, sister, daughter, friend and so much more. She is a certified Wellness Practitioner, stroke survivor and advocate for natural healing and lifestyle. Contact her for more Wellness insights on Email: precioussibiya2014@gmail.com +263775369467. health benefits of strawberries

A 48-year-old Zimbabwean man has appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court on allegations that he recruited job seekers with promises of lucrative employment in Russia before they were allegedly forced to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war as mercenaries. Oscar Sifelani Mtshiya appeared before magistrate Jesse Kufa on Friday facing five counts of human trafficking and five counts of operating an employment agency without registration. He was remanded in custody to 8 July 2026, when the court is expected to rule on his bail application. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mtshiya allegedly acted in concert with four accomplices based in Russia, who remain at large. Prosecutors allege that between January and June 2026, the accused recruited five Zimbabwean job seekers by promising them well-paying civilian jobs in Russia, including positions as firefighters and other roles linked to the Russian Ministry of Defence. The State alleges that the victims travelled to Russia believing they had secured legitimate employment. However, upon arrival, their passports were allegedly confiscated before they were subjected to labour exploitation, underwent seven days of firearms training and were deployed to fight in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict as mercenaries. According to the prosecution, one of the five recruits was killed during the conflict. The remaining four Zimbabweans are reportedly still in Russia, with authorities from the Department of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade working to facilitate their return home. Investigators further allege that Mtshiya coordinated the victims' travel arrangements while his alleged Russian associates processed airline tickets and visas, which were then handed to the recruits. The State also alleges that Mtshiya received funds from his alleged accomplices through his EcoCash account before transferring some of the money to the recruits to cover transport costs to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo. He is charged under the Trafficking in Persons Act for allegedly recruiting, transporting and facilitating the trafficking of the victims for exploitation. In addition, he faces five counts of operating an employment agency without registration, contrary to the Labour Act. The matter has been postponed to 8 July for a bail ruling, while police investigations continue. Zimbabwe man trafficked recruits to Russia