Batswana warned against overseas job scams linked to wars
Spira Tlhankane | Wednesday March 11, 2026 11:04
Addressing Parliament recently, Butale said the government had received disturbing reports that several Batswana had fallen victim to deceptive recruitment schemes promising opportunities such as training programmes and security or bodyguard jobs in Russia.
However, upon arrival, the individuals reportedly discovered that the arrangements were linked to participation in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
“Approximately 16 Batswana encountered this recruitment drive. Of that number, four are confirmed to have travelled to the Russian Federation,” Butale told Parliament.
He revealed that the government managed to facilitate the safe return of one of the four in December 2025 before he could be deployed to the frontline. He said the whereabouts and status of the remaining three individuals remain unknown.
Butale added that the government has since launched efforts to trace them through diplomatic and law enforcement channels, including working with INTERPOL.
“In December 2025, I formally raised this matter with the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, during bilateral discussions held in Egypt. Subsequent written communications have also been transmitted through established diplomatic channels, seeking cooperation and assistance from the relevant authorities. Given the transnational nature of this matter, Botswana is collaborating with international partners, including authorities in South Africa, to ensure that all appropriate diplomatic, legal and law enforcement avenues are pursued. The matter is being assessed through the framework of Botswana’s applicable laws and international obligations,” Butale further disclosed.
He urged citizens to thoroughly verify overseas job offers before committing, warning that some recruitment agencies, particularly those advertising on social media, may misrepresent the nature of the opportunities.
“I wish to urge Batswana to exercise vigilance when engaging with recruitment agencies operating within and outside our country. Whilst many agencies operate legitimately, there are instances where certain entities may not be properly verified or may misrepresent the nature of the opportunities being offered,” he said.
He encouraged citizens to conduct proper due diligence and seek confirmation from relevant government authorities before accepting employment offers abroad. The minister stressed that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the welfare and interests of Batswana wherever they may be. He revealed that they will continue to engage affected families with due sensitivity and keep Parliament informed of significant developments.
Last year, a handful of South African social media influencers, including some in Botswana, received backlash for promoting a suspicious scheme. The programme promised to relocate young women to work and study in Tatarstan, Russia.
On the promise of a full-time job, the women had applied for a recruitment scheme targeting 18-to-22-year-old women, mostly from Africa. It promised participants professional training in areas including logistics, catering, and hospitality.
But the programme has been accused of using deception in its recruitment practices, and of making its young recruits work in dangerous conditions for less pay than advertised.