
A Russian national, Leonid Koftov, was apprehended at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport while allegedly attempting to depart with a local man he had recruited to participate in the Ukraine-Russia war. Koftov faces charges under the Trafficking in Persons Act and Labour Act. Police received information on May 29 that Koftov, who arrived in Zimbabwe on May 28 on a 30-day holiday visa, was recruiting individuals for Russia in connivance with an accomplice named Constantine, who is believed to be in Russia. Koftov allegedly processed a Russian E-visa, air travel tickets, and hotel bookings for the recruit. On Monday, detectives intercepted Koftov and the recruit at the airport, where Koftov was found with the victim's travel documents and was subsequently arrested. The Zimbabwean government recently confirmed that 18 Zimbabweans have died fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war after being recruited through deceptive schemes promising lucrative civilian jobs, only to be forced into combat. The government is working with Russian authorities to repatriate survivors and has cautioned citizens against unregulated employment agencies.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
Must ReadThe African Development Bank AfDB has provided a significant equity boost of US$125 million to the African Trade Insurance Agency ATIDI. This financial backing aims to support ATIDI's operations and initiatives.
Must ReadShava is participating in a meeting of African ministers in Accra focused on the continent's efforts to control the future of digital education. This gathering highlights a continental push towards shaping the landscape of digital learning.

The Zimbabwean government has extended the deadline for winter wheat planting. This decision comes amidst various national developments, including police warnings against inciting violence, the MDC's threat of mass action over a constitutional bill, and the return of black rhinos to Matusadona. Economically, the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange is implementing concessions to attract new listings, while ART operations face challenges from power outages and raw material shortages. The manufacturer reported a 6% decline in exports and a 26% decline in paper division volumes for the third quarter ending June 2022. Additionally, the article mentions political tensions leading to violence and forced evictions at grasslands plots, and the ZOC's focus on gender equality at the ANOCA Zone VI Forum in Victoria Falls.
Must ReadThe Zimbabwe National Network of People Living with HIV ZNNP+ has initiated a project in Umguza focused on the production of reusable sanitary pads. This local initiative aims to address a specific community need. Other news includes the ZSE implementing concessions to attract new listings amidst declining market capitalization and delistings, and the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee ZOC leading discussions on Gender Equality at the ANOCA Zone VI Forum in Victoria Falls. Additionally, political tensions at grasslands plots have reportedly led to violent attacks and forced evictions.