South Africa's government is in discussions with Russia to secure the return of 17 South African men who were allegedly deceived into fighting for Russia in Ukraine. The men are said to have been lured by Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, under the pretense of training as bodyguards or attending a personal development course.
Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for President Cyril Ramaphosa, stated on Monday that the retrieval process is sensitive and ongoing. 'They are in a dangerous environment. They are facing grave, grave danger to their lives,' he said, adding that the government is engaging with Russian authorities as the men were reportedly incorporated into the Russian military.
On 6 November, South Africa received distress calls from the men. Later that month, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, another of Zuma's daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men, including eight of her family members. Zuma-Sambudla countered with her own report, claiming she was tricked by Blessing Khoza, one of the accused.
On 5 December, relatives and friends of the men protested outside Durban city hall, demanding their safe return. An unnamed mother told SABC, 'They are being ill-treated and slowly they are breaking down. They are pleading with us every day to bring them home.'
One mother reported not hearing from her son since 27 August, when he called to say he was forced to sign a contract in Russian he did not understand, fearing he was being sent to the frontlines. The Russian embassy in South Africa did not respond to a request for comment.
