South African men were among fighters in the Russia/Ukraine conflict zone, where buildings lie in ruins.
Image: Tatyana Makeyeva/AFP
THE two South African men who died after being lured to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war were not linked to the 17 allegedly recruited via the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), but another group, says International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola.
“There are also others who were part of the scheme. But as per the cooperation and the work of the two heads of State and our processes, almost most or all South Africans have now been released from the front line,” he said.
“What we are now dealing with is their return, and that as and when they arrive in South Africa, the law must take its course,” Lamola said.
He acknowledged that some individuals may attempt to avoid accountability upon their return.
“But the police and all the law enforcement authorities are on standby, ready to deal with all South Africans as they return. Everyone who is involved in this scheme must be held accountable and there must be consequences for this,” Lamola said.
In a statement later, Lamola called for public vigilance.
"Our empathy for the families is matched by our duty to uphold the laws of our Republic."
He said the Ministry is deeply concerned by the "suspicious circumstances" and predatory recruitment tactics used to lure citizens into danger.
"If a job offer abroad sounds too good to be true, it probably is," he said.
The government continues to investigate the networks involved in these recruitment efforts to ensure that those who exploit vulnerable citizens face the full might of the law.
Authorities allege that 17 men, mostly aged between 20 and 39, including 16 from KwaZulu-Natal and one from the Eastern Cape, were sent to Russia in July 2025 after being lured with promises of legitimate security work.
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday said investigations into "the circumstances that led to the recruitment of these young men into mercenary activities" were still ongoing.
The war sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has drawn in mercenaries on both sides, including from several African countries.
Ukraine said Wednesday that more than 1,780 citizens from 36 African countries had been identified among Russia's ranks, and that some of them had been captured.
Cape Times