South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed Thursday that several South Africans remain in Russia, with at least two deaths reported among those who fought for Russian forces in Ukraine. His remarks came after 15 men who were allegedly tricked into joining mercenary forces were repatriated.
Repatriation Efforts
- Eleven men landed back in South Africa on Wednesday, part of a group of 17 who had requested government assistance after being trapped for months in Ukraine’s Donbas region.
- Four men had already returned last week.
- Two others remain in Russia receiving treatment for severe injuries, Lamola said.
Deaths Reported
Lamola revealed that the government had been notified by the Russian embassy of two South Africans who died after being recruited through a separate scheme. He did not specify how many citizens remain on the frontlines.
Recruitment Controversy
The initial group of 17 men were allegedly sent to Russia for security guard training by the opposition Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, led by former president Jacob Zuma.
One of Zuma’s daughters, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, resigned from parliament after claims she was involved in recruiting the men.
“Whoever was responsible to recruit these young people into this ordeal must be held accountable,” Lamola said.
South African law prohibits citizens from fighting for a foreign country’s army without government authorization.
Wider African Context
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry reported Wednesday that more than 1,780 Africans from 36 countries have been identified among Russia’s ranks, with some captured during fighting.
Implications
The revelations highlight the risks posed by deceptive recruitment networks and the legal and diplomatic challenges facing African governments as their citizens are drawn into the war in Ukraine.
