Sex pests, fraudsters prey on young women desperate for employment

By Angelah N. Danda

Marion Ndlovu (23) says she has lost over USD300 on two occasions and was almost raped on another occasion in her desperate attempt to get a job. Marion says sex pests and fraudsters are now taking advantage of the worsening economic environment, characterized by high unemployment levels in the country to prey on young women and girls.

“On the first occasion, a friend of mine advised me that a local popular fast food chain was recruiting cashiers and support staff. She gave me the contact details of the company official who was responsible for the recruitment. I called him and he promised to facilitate my recruitment but said that he had some superiors who wanted some payment so that they would consider my application,” says Marion.

Marion says she talked to her parents who managed to raise USD200. She says she then called the company official and they planned to meet in town. She says she met the official and gave him the money. She says he promised to her that before the end of the month, she would be called to start work.

“I was excited at the prospect of getting a job. I waited until the end of the month. A week into the following month I called him to ask what was delaying the recruitment. He told me that the money I had given him was not enough. He said I should add another USD100. I went to my parents again and got the money. When I gave the official the money, he told me that there were other applicants who were paying over USD500 to get the jobs. This triggered some alarm bells and I asked him to refund me if my money was not enough,” says Marion.

Marion says the official promised to convince his superiors. She says after that meeting, she tried to call him, but his mobile line was no longer active. She reported the case at the local police station. She says she has not received any feedback from police on their investigations.

Marion says in another incident, a local shop owner told her that he was looking for someone to manage his shop. She says when she met him for official discussions on the matter at his office, the man, who is in his late 50s, welcomed her with a hug.

“I was uncomfortable because the hug was a bit long. When we started talking about the job, the man started beating about the bush and said we should be friends first because he wanted someone that he could trust. I politely told him that all I wanted was a job. He became agitated and grabbed me. He was trying to kiss me when there was a knock on the door. He let go of me and I bolted out” says Marion.

Marion says the worsening economic environment in the country is contributing to the abuse of girls. She says small business owners do not follow any regulations when it comes to recruiting. She says they do not care about qualifications and hence they take anyone willing to offer sexual favours.