Eleven South African men who were allegedly lured into fighting in the Russia-Ukraine conflict under false promises of employment and training are on their way home, the Presidency confirmed on Tuesday. Four others have already returned, bringing the total number of repatriated citizens to 15.
The men, aged between 20 and 39, were reportedly recruited under the guise of security training and well-paid job opportunities abroad — only to find themselves deployed to a war zone. Most were believed to have been sent via Russia to the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, where intense fighting continues.
Cyril Ramaphosa expressed “heartfelt gratitude” to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, for assisting with diplomatic efforts to secure their release. Ramaphosa said government had been working closely with Russian authorities after receiving distress calls from the group late last year.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe return of the remaining South Africans, while investigations continue into the alleged recruitment scheme that drew the men into the conflict under false pretences.
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