TWO Vietnamese nationals appeared before Harare magistrate Lynne Chizhou facing a count of human trafficking and contravening the Immigration Act after they allegedly lured their countryman to work as a massage therapist in Zimbabwe.
Hau Phan (28) and Thi Doung (26) were remanded in custody for bail application.
Prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti alleged that in August this year, Phan and Doung recruited the complainant, who is also a Vietnamese, to come and work in Zimbabwe as a massage therapist.
They allegedly misrepresented to the victim that she would receive a lucrative salary in Zimbabwe.
The court heard that the two paid all the expenses for the victim's travel to Zimbabwe.
The victim arrived in Zimbabwe on August 14 through Victoria Falls International Airport, where on arrival, the two allegedly confiscated her passport, thereby restricting her movements.
According to the State, the accused persons took the woman to wherever massage services were required, but never paid her anything, telling her that they were recouping travel expenses from her earnings.
The State also alleged that the duo forced the victim to work even when she was not feeling well and that on September 16, they ordered her to massage a client, but she failed due to illness.
- Turkey denies human trafficking reports
- China-backed controversial mega project in Myanmar rapidly becoming human trafficking hub
- 4 000 prisoners granted amnesty
- 4 000 prisoners granted amnesty
Keep Reading
As a result, the two allegedly assaulted her and she sustained bruises on the face, which prompted her to report the matter to the police, leading to their arrest.
On another count, the accused persons entered the country through Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport on holiday visas and were granted 30 days valid until September 13 this year.
On expiry of the visas, the duo allegedly did not seek extension or leave the country. They overstayed in the country for six days.
