By Nigel Pfunde
Ukraine- Zimbabwean national Mandla Ncube has been killed in Ukraine’s Donbas region after being recruited to fight for Russian forces.
This development shows a growing trend in which Southern Africans are being drawn into the war by promises of monthly salaries of up to US$3 000.
Ncube is reported to have joined the conflict after being offered between US$2 000 and US$2 500 per month with recruiters increasingly advertising payments of as much as US$3 000 to attract more fighters from the region.
His death comes amid reports that Russia has enlisted at least 1 400 fighters from 36 African countries, including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Somalia and Cameroon.
In a message shared after his death, Ncube’s wife reflected on the economic hardships that push many men to take such risks.
Writing beneath his photograph, she said:
“Inkosi ivumele ma love lawe ubuzama impilo njengamanye amadoda,” which can be loosely translated to ” he had gone in search of a better life, like many other men.”
Analysts say the recruitment drive targets Africans facing unemployment and poverty with US dollar salaries proving a powerful incentive despite the dangers of combat zones.
