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The South African government has confirmed that at least two of its citizens have died while fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola shared the news on Thursday, shortly after the repatriation of a group of men who were allegedly lured into the conflict under false pretences.
While 15 members of one specific group have successfully returned home, Lamola revealed that other South Africans remain in Russia, with at least two individuals suffering from injuries too severe to allow for immediate travel.
The situation came to light after 17 men requested emergency assistance from Pretoria after finding themselves trapped in the heavy fighting of Ukraine’s Donbas region.
According to the government, these men were originally sent to Russia for what they believed was specialised security guard training.
This recruitment has been linked to the Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, led by former President Jacob Zuma.
The scandal has already triggered political consequences, as Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, resigned her seat in parliament following allegations of her involvement in the scheme.
Beyond the initial group of 17, the South African government was notified by the Russian embassy of additional deaths involving citizens who appear to have been part of separate recruitment drives.
Minister Lamola expressed outrage over the “ordeal,” stating that those responsible for tricking young South Africans into a foreign war must be held legally accountable.
South African law strictly prohibits its citizens from participating in foreign military activities without explicit state authorisation.
The issue highlights a broader trend in the conflict; Ukrainian officials recently identified nearly 1,800 citizens from 36 different African countries serving within the Russian ranks.
As the South African government continues to investigate how many more of its nationals may be on the frontlines, the focus remains on the legal and diplomatic fallout of unauthorised mercenary recruitment targeting vulnerable youth.
