South Africa secures release of citizens allegedly lured into Russia-Ukraine war as mercenaries
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for helping secure the return of 17 South Africans who were allegedly tricked into joining the Russia-Ukraine war.
The South African government said the men believed they were travelling to Russia for bodyguard training, only to find themselves deployed on the front lines of the conflict in Ukraine.
Citizens Tricked into Joining the Russia-Ukraine War
Last November, authorities revealed they had received distress calls from the group after they arrived in Russia. According to relatives, the men were presented with contracts written in Russian and unknowingly signed agreements to serve as mercenaries against Ukrainian forces.
Under South African law, fighting for another country or working as a mercenary is illegal unless officially authorised by the government.
Ramaphosa’s office confirmed that four of the men returned home last Friday. Eleven others are expected back soon, while two remain in Russia. One of them is currently hospitalised in Moscow, and the other is finalising travel arrangements.
Ramaphosa personally raised the issue with Putin during a conversation on 10 February.
His spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said the president expressed “heartfelt gratitude” to Putin for responding positively and supporting the process to bring the men home. South Africa’s embassy in Moscow will continue monitoring the citizen who remains in hospital.
Recruitment Scandal and Ongoing Investigation
The alleged recruitment scheme has sparked political controversy in South Africa.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, has been named as the alleged recruiter. She denies any wrongdoing.
Zuma-Sambudla resigned as a Member of Parliament in late November after the allegations surfaced. In an affidavit filed with police, she said she believed the men, some of whom are her relatives, were travelling for lawful training and would never knowingly put anyone in harm’s way.
Her half-sister, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, filed a criminal complaint accusing her of misleading South Africans into joining the war.
In a separate case, police arrested five individuals in December, including a presenter from South Africa’s public broadcaster, in connection with the alleged recruitment for the Russian military. They were released on bail, and their trial has yet to begin.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
The successful return of the group highlights growing diplomatic coordination between South Africa and Russia amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
While most of the men are expected home soon, investigations into how they were recruited are continuing.
The case has raised serious questions about foreign recruitment networks, legal accountability, and the risks facing citizens drawn into international conflicts under false pretences.
Source: BBC