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Paidamoyo Chipunza Senior Reporter
Government is appealing to families of persons affected or likely to be affected by human trafficking scams to come forward with information that may be useful in giving assistance to the victims following an expose of the Kuwait human trafficking scandal.
In a statement released last night, Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Christopher Mushohwe, said while 32 victims were rescued, chances were that many more could still be in Kuwait or any other country where such malpractices were condoned.
“While Government would use its own means to establish persons in such unfortunate situations, the whole process would be speeded up if families of persons affected or likely to be affected, come forward with information,” said Minister Mushohwe.
He said apart from rescuing the 32 women victims, Government was also taking stern measures against all those involved in the abuse of Zimbabwean nationals.
“Apart from rescuing the affected women, Government has since instituted investigations into this matter in order to bring to book the culprits involved,” he said.
Minister Mushohwe said Government had also made strong representations to the Kuwait government.
He warned Zimbabweans especially women against being lured through false offers of employment saying they should cross-check with relevant Government departments, which included the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare or even the police.
“There are criminals lurking out there seeking to entice unsuspecting and desperate foreign nationals, especially from the African continent,” said Minister Mushohwe.
It is believed that over 200 Zimbabwean women were trafficked to Kuwait where they are subjected to inhuman and criminal treatment such as severe beatings, sexual assaults, rape and denial to medical and consular services.
The women were lured to Kuwait through false promises of employment as housemaids among other job offers.
Online Reporter