South African authorities are engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure the return of a group of its citizens reportedly fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. The government states the men were deceived into traveling abroad under false pretenses.
A presidential spokesperson confirmed that discussions are underway with relevant parties, emphasizing the operation’s sensitivity due to the extreme danger the individuals face. Officials indicated the primary focus of these negotiations is with Russian authorities, based on information suggesting the men were improperly integrated into Russian military units.
The case involves allegations that the citizens were recruited last year with promises of security training or personal development courses, not combat deployment. Legal complaints have been filed, including one by a family member of a former national leader, accusing specific individuals of orchestrating the deceptive recruitment. One of the accused has denied wrongdoing, claiming to have been misled about the operation’s nature.
Families of the affected men have expressed growing desperation, organizing public appeals for their safe return. Relatives report receiving distressing communications from the frontline, including accounts of poor treatment and coercive tactics, such as being pressured to sign documents in a language they do not understand. Several families say they have lost contact with their loved ones.
The South African government has stated the matter is receiving high-level attention as it works to resolve the situation.