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Minister Mushowe

Paidamoyo Chipunza Harare Bureau
THE 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 in the wake of the Kuwait human trafficking scandal.

Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Christopher Mushohwe said while 32 victims were rescued in Kuwait, chances were that many more could still be holed up in that country or any other country where such malpractices were condoned.

“While the 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,” Mushohwe said in a statement last night.

He said apart from rescuing the 32 female victims, the government was also taking stern measures against all those involved in the abuse of Zimbabwean nationals.

“Apart from rescuing the affected women, the government has since instituted investigations into this matter in order to bring to book the culprits involved,” he said.

Mushohwe said the 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,” the minister added.

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 of medical and consular services.

The women were lured to Kuwait through false promises of employment as housemaids among other job offers.