Zimbabwean in Russia Says Volunteers Know Risks Amid War Recruitment Claims
Staff Reporter
Reports that Zimbabweans are being misled into joining the Russian Armed Forces are inaccurate, according to a Zimbabwean who works with recruits in Russia, insisting that volunteers understand the risks before signing up to fight in the ongoing war against Ukraine.
“Reports that Zimbabweans are being hoodwinked to come here are false. Everyone who comes here knows what they are doing and what they are here for,” said Mqondisi Tshuma, who spoke to Matebeleland Pulse about the recruitment of Zimbabwean nationals into the Russian military.
“Before anyone signs the dotted line, authorities here tell them that if they are not up for it, they have the option of going back home. No one is forced,” he added.
Videos reviewed by Matebeleland Pulse appear to support this account. In the recordings, Zimbabwean nationals Tonny Mpofu and Clement Ngwabi are heard declaring that they intend to join the Russian military and participate in the war effort.
Matebeleland Pulse verified the identities of the two men through sources familiar with the recruits, although the exact date and location of the recordings could not be independently confirmed.
The videos provide a rare insight into how some Zimbabwean nationals are joining the conflict, which has drawn foreign volunteers from several countries since 2022.
Tshuma said financial incentives appear to be a motivating factor for some recruits.
“The problem that we have observed among our Zimbabwean compatriots is that most come here with the intention of getting the lump sum and disappearing. The moment that money reflects back home they want to follow it,” he said.
According to Tshuma foreign volunteers are allegedly offered a US$37, 000 signing bonus and monthly payments of around US$3,000 under Russian military contracts. Matebeleland Pulse could.
A man identified as Melusi Khumalo, described as a communications trainer for African recruits in the Russian-controlled region of Donetsk, alleged that a small number of recruits attempted to leave their posts after receiving payments. Matebeleland Pulse could not independently verify that claim.
Other Zimbabweans in the recruitment environment say they remain committed to their contracts. One recruit, Ntokozo Mtali, said he joined voluntarily.
“War is horrible, but we have to face it because it is our choice,” Mtali said. “I sent my package back home without any difficulties.”
The Government of Zimbabwe has warned citizens to exercise caution when considering overseas employment offers that could place them in conflict zones.
Officials from the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare (Zimbabwe) say authorities are monitoring reports of Zimbabweans travelling abroad after being promised lucrative employment opportunities.
“The Government of Zimbabwe is aware of reports and concerns regarding Zimbabwean citizens who may have been misled into travelling to Russia under the guise of lucrative employment opportunities,” Honourable Minister Edgar Moyo said in a statement.
Authorities say they are working with labour inspectors and diplomatic missions to identify possible unlicensed recruitment agencies and have urged citizens to carefully verify overseas job offers, particularly in countries involved in armed conflict.
Matebeleland Pulse continues to investigate reports of Zimbabwean nationals joining the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the circumstances under which they are being recruited.
