President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for his assistance in securing the return of 17 South African citizens who were allegedly deceived into joining the conflict in Ukraine, his office announced Tuesday.
The South Africans, aged between 20 and 39, initially believed they were traveling to Russia for security training or civilian employment, according to a statement released by Ramaphosa’s office. Instead, they found themselves deployed to combat zones in Ukraine’s Donbas region.
Four of the men have already returned to South Africa, with eleven more expected to arrive soon. Two remain in Russia; one is currently hospitalized in Moscow, while the other is completing necessary travel arrangements, according to Vincent Magwenya, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson.
Ramaphosa raised the issue directly with Putin during a phone call on February 10th, leading to the release of the men. The South African government had received distress calls from the group as early as November, after they became trapped in the fighting.
“The South African government, working closely with Russian officials, has secured the men’s return home,” Magwenya stated.
An investigation is underway to determine how the South Africans were recruited and transported to Russia, focusing on potential violations of South African law. It is illegal for South African citizens to participate in foreign conflicts without government authorization. Authorities are examining allegations of human trafficking and fraud related to the recruitment process, according to reports.
This incident highlights a growing trend of deceptive recruitment schemes targeting citizens from several African nations. Reports indicate that hundreds of individuals from Kenya, and citizens from at least three dozen countries, have been identified fighting for Russia in Ukraine.
Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict through negotiation, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky marked the anniversary by stating that Putin “has not achieved his goals” in the war and pledged continued efforts towards peace and justice.
