Eleven South African men allegedly lured to fight for Russia in Ukraine returned home on Wednesday, AFP reporters witnessed. The men were among 17 who appealed to Pretoria in November after becoming trapped in fierce combat in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region.
They said they had been misled into joining what became mercenary units fighting alongside Russian forces. Four others arrived in Johannesburg last week, while two remain in Russia, including one hospitalised, the government said.
Reporters saw the latest group exit Durban’s airport in KwaZulu-Natal, carrying luggage and escorted by police to a holding area. One man sat in a wheelchair as they moved quietly through the terminal under the watch of security officers.
Local television showed family members breaking down in tears as the men emerged from arrivals. President Cyril Ramaphosa said investigations were continuing into the circumstances behind their recruitment into mercenary activities.
The conflict ignited by Vladimir Putin’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine has drawn foreign fighters from multiple continents. In November, Ukraine’s foreign minister said more than 1,400 citizens from 36 African countries had been identified among Russian ranks.
South African media reported the men were allegedly sent to Russia for security guard training linked to the MK party. The party is headed by former president Jacob Zuma, who led South Africa from 2009 to 2018.
His daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, resigned from parliament after allegations she helped recruit the men. Authorities have not announced any charges as inquiries continue into how the young men were drawn into war.