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Eleven South African men who were allegedly lured into fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine have returned home, marking the latest development in a case that has drawn national scrutiny and diplomatic concern.
AFP reporters witnessed the men arriving at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport in KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday. Some appeared visibly shaken; one arrived in a wheelchair. They were escorted by police to a holding area as emotional family members looked on. Local television footage showed relatives breaking down as the group disembarked.
The men were part of a group of 17 who appealed to the South African government for assistance in November, claiming they had been trapped in intense fighting in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region after being misled into joining mercenary units. Four others returned to Johannesburg last week, while two remain in Russia. According to the government, one of those still abroad is hospitalised.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that authorities are investigating “the circumstances that led to the recruitment of these young men into mercenary activities.” His remarks underscore growing concern over the mechanisms used to enlist foreign nationals into the conflict.
The war, triggered by Vladimir Putin’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has drawn foreign fighters from multiple regions, including Africa. Ukraine’s foreign ministry stated in November that more than 1,400 citizens from 36 African countries had been identified among Russian ranks.
South African media reports have alleged that the men were initially sent to Russia for security guard training linked to the uMkhonto we Sizwe Party, headed by former president Jacob Zuma. Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, resigned from parliament following claims she was involved in recruitment efforts, allegations that have further intensified political debate.
