Ramaphosa thanks Putin for release of South Africans lured into Russia-Ukraine war

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for facilitating the return of 17 South Africans who were reportedly deceived into joining the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The group, who believed they were travelling to Russia for bodyguard training, ended up on the front lines in Ukraine. The South African government received distress calls from the men last November, prompting intervention.

Ramaphosa’s office confirmed that four of the men had returned on 14 February, 11 more were expected soon, and two would return at a later stage. Investigations into their recruitment remain ongoing.

Under South African law, fighting as a mercenary without government authorisation is illegal. Relatives said the men were presented with contracts written in Russian, which they did not understand, obliging them to fight as mercenaries.

Vincent Magwenya, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, stated that two men remain in Russia—one in a Moscow hospital and another undergoing travel arrangements. He noted that Ramaphosa had personally called Putin on 10 February to discuss their return.

“President Ramaphosa has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Vladimir Putin who responded positively to his call to support the process of returning the men home,” Magwenya said.

The alleged recruiter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, denies the claims. She resigned as an MP in November and stated she believed the men were travelling for lawful training, insisting she would not knowingly put anyone in harm’s way.

In December, South African police arrested five individuals, including a public broadcaster radio presenter, in connection with the alleged recruitment scheme. They were released on bail, and the trial has not yet begun.

Credit: BBC