The South African government has confirmed receiving distress calls from 17 men who were lured by recruiters into mercenary work in Ukraine’s Donbas region with false job promises.
The men, aged between 20 and 39, have contacted authorities for help to return home. Sixteen are from KwaZulu-Natal, while one is from the Eastern Cape.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said recruiters misled the men into travelling to the conflict zone with false promises of employment.
He said the Presidency had received distress calls from the group asking for urgent assistance.
“The government is working through diplomatic channels to bring them back home,” Magwenya said.
Ramaphosa orders investigation
President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered authorities to investigate how recruiters drew the men into apparent mercenary activities.
Authorities aim to identify those responsible for exploiting the men and violating South Africa’s laws on foreign military involvement.
The Presidency reminded citizens that under the Foreign Military Assistance Act of 1998, it is illegal for South Africans or local entities to offer or provide military assistance to foreign governments or to fight in their armies without authorisation from the South African government.
Condemnation of Exploitation
Ramaphosa and his government condemned the exploitation of vulnerable young South Africans by individuals linked to foreign military networks.
The Presidency said such actions put lives at risk and undermine South Africa’s commitment to peace and international law.
