First Group of S. Africans Fighting in Ukraine Conflict Arrives Home
A total of 19 South African men were allegedly enticed last July with promises of employment in Russia, only to find themselves enlisted to fight alongside Russian troops in the ongoing conflict. The four returnees touched down shortly after 4 p.m. local time (1400GMT) at OR Tambo International Airport near Johannesburg. Television footage showed their arrival, and authorities indicated they would undergo processing by South African police.
In November, law enforcement officials opened an inquiry into claims that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, had played a role in encouraging the men to travel to Russia, where they ultimately became involved in military operations linked to the war.
Reports suggest that individuals aged between 20 and 39 were drawn in by offers of work but were instead incorporated into the Russian army and deployed to front-line positions in a conflict they had not intended to join.
Late last November, police detained four additional men en route to Russia through the United Arab Emirates on suspicion of attempting to enlist in a foreign military. Under South African law, citizens and residents are barred from engaging in unauthorized foreign armed forces or mercenary activities.
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola expressed hope on Wednesday that the remaining South Africans still in Russia would be able to return safely.
Earlier this month, on Feb. 10, President Cyril Ramaphosa held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the process of repatriating South African nationals who had been fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, according to an official statement.
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