South Africa Urgently Seeking Return of Citizens Trapped in Ukraine Conflict. Johannesburg, South Africa — South African authorities are in intense negotiations with Russian officials to secure the safe return of 17 South African men who have reportedly ended up fighting in Ukraine.
The situation has garnered significant attention as the men were allegedly deceived into joining the Russian military by Duduzile Zuma — Sambudla, the daughter of former president Jacob Zuma.
According to officials, the 17 South African men, along with two citizens from Botswana, were recruited in July under false pretenses. They were promised either training as bodyguards for Zuma’s political party, uMkhonto weSizwe, or participation in a personal development program. Instead, they were reportedly drawn into the Russian armed forces and sent to the frontlines.
Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for President Cyril Ramaphosa, described the situation as highly sensitive. “These young men are in grave danger. We are working with authorities in both Russia and Ukraine to find ways to bring them home safely, “Magwenya said during a press briefing.
He added that discussions are focused mainly on Russian officials, as the men appear to have been absorbed into Russian military operations.
The crisis came to light after the South African officials received distress calls from the men on November 6. Later that month, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report accusing Zuma-Sambudla and two others of misleading the men.
Among those recruited were eight members of her own family.
Zuma — Sambudla also filed a report, claiming she had been duped by Blessing Khoza, one of the accused, into bringing the men to Russia under the impression it was a legitimate paramilitary course. Efforts to contact Khoza and Siphokazi Xuma, the other alleged recruiter, were unsuccessful.
The situation has sparked protests in South Africa, with relatives and friends of the men gathering outside Durban city hall on December 5, holding signs with messages like “Bring Them Back Alive” and “Home Is Where They Belong. ” One mother, speaking to local media, expressed concern for her son’s well-being. “They are being mistreated and are slowly breaking down.
All they want is to come home alive. That’s all we can ask for,” she. Another mother told the Guardian she had not heard from her son since August 27, when he called to say he was being forced to sign a Russian contract he did not understand, fearing he would be sent to the frontlines.
The government is giving this matter its highest possible attention, according to Magwenya. Russia’s embassy in South Africa has not yet responded to requests for comment. Further details are expected as the situation unfolds.
