Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
TWO Vietnamese women are behind bars after they were arrested in Harare for allegedly trafficking a fellow countrywoman and forcing her into slave-like working conditions.
Huu Dao Phan (28) and Thi My Quyen Duong (26), appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court facing charges of human trafficking and overstaying their visas.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the pair allegedly lured their victim to Zimbabwe in August 2025, promising her a lucrative job as a massage therapist.
“The complainant arrived in Zimbabwe on the 14th of August 2025, and upon arrival, the accused persons confiscated her passport,” read the statement.
Instead of fulfilling their promise, the duo allegedly forced the woman to work at various massage parlours without paying her a cent.
“They made her work while she was sick and assaulted her all over the body, leaving her with bruises on her face,” the statement read.
The victim eventually gathered the courage to report them to the police after the abuse became unbearable.
On top of the trafficking charges, the women also face immigration offences. Their visas expired on 13 September 2025, but they reportedly stayed in Zimbabwe illegally without renewing their permits.
The two were remanded in custody and are set to appear in court again on 26 September 2025 for routine remand.
Authorities have urged the public to be vigilant and report suspected cases of trafficking.
derick.khumalo