JOHANNESBURG — A group of South African nationals allegedly deceived into combat roles within the Russia-Ukraine war are scheduled to return home following high-level diplomatic interventions, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed Tuesday.
The repatriation initiative will bring the total number of returnees to 15, building upon the four individuals who arrived in Johannesburg last week after enduring months on the front lines. According to official statements, these men were lured to Russia under false pretenses of receiving security training, only to be coerced into mercenary activities.
President Ramaphosa revealed that two additional South Africans remain in Russian territory—one hospitalized and another undergoing processing before anticipated repatriation. This development follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s commitment earlier this month to facilitate returns through established diplomatic channels.
“The South African government, working closely with the Russian government, has secured the safe return of these men,” Ramaphosa stated. “Simultaneously, investigations continue into the circumstances that led to their unlawful recruitment.”
The case has triggered a criminal investigation targeting at least three individuals connected to the recruitment scheme, including Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma. Despite denying wrongdoing, Zuma-Sambudla resigned from her parliamentary position following the allegations.
This incident reflects a broader pattern of African nationals being targeted for recruitment into the Ukraine conflict. Recent intelligence presented to Kenya’s parliament indicated over 1,000 Kenyans have been similarly recruited, with numerous families pleading for government intervention to repatriate loved ones either fighting on front lines or held as prisoners of war.
South African law explicitly prohibits citizens from participating in foreign armed conflicts without government authorization. The returning men underwent police questioning upon arrival but have since been released to their families as investigations continue.