Another 11 South African Men Set To Return From Russia As Recruitment Probe Deepens

South Africa is preparing to welcome home another 11 men caught up in the Russia Ukraine conflict, widening a story that has raised difficult questions about how young South Africans are being pulled into foreign wars.

Their return comes just days after four others were brought back, forming part of a group of 17 men aged between 20 and 39 who contacted the South African government in distress asking for help. According to the Presidency, urgent diplomatic channels were activated to secure their safe passage home.

Government Steps In After Distress Calls

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed that the Russian government worked with Pretoria after receiving urgent appeals from the men.

“The South African government working closely with the Russian government has secured a safe return of the men,” Magwenya said, noting that the request for help came directly from those already inside Russia.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has publicly thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for responding to his call for cooperation. The two leaders reportedly discussed the matter during a telephone conversation on 10 February, where Putin pledged his support for the repatriation.

Two South Africans Still In Russia

While 15 of the 17 men are either home or en route, two remain in Russia. One is recovering in a Moscow hospital under the care of South African embassy officials, and another is still completing administrative processes before travel arrangements can be finalised.

“The South African embassy in Moscow will continue to monitor the individual that is in hospital until he has fully recovered to travel,” Magwenya confirmed.

How Were They Recruited?

Perhaps the biggest concern now is understanding how these men ended up in the middle of one of the world’s most volatile conflicts. The Presidency has made it clear that investigators are probing what it describes as “mercenary activities” and the recruitment networks behind them.

This issue is not new in South Africa. Over the years, there have been sporadic reports of locals signing up for foreign military work, often lured by promises of high pay. With unemployment and economic pressure affecting many young people, analysts say the risk of recruitment by private military groups or shadowy intermediaries remains real.

A Relief For Families Back Home

For the families waiting anxiously in South Africa, the news brings a sense of relief. Many were unaware of the full details of their loved ones’ involvement until government officials made contact.

As the remaining two men prepare to come home, officials say the priority is ensuring their safe return while investigators continue unravelling how a group of South Africans found themselves on the edge of a geopolitical conflict thousands of kilometres from home.

South Africa’s involvement ends here, but the deeper questions about vulnerability, recruitment, and accountability are only just beginning.

{Source:IOL}

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