The South African Presidency says it has no new update on efforts to secure the return of South African men believed to be trapped in Russia amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, as concerns grow over their safety.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the process to bring the men home remains “very sensitive”, warning that they are located in a high-risk conflict environment and face serious threats to their lives.
“The government remains engaged with multiple authorities in an effort to remove these South Africans from harm’s way,” Magwenya said, adding that diplomatic efforts are currently focused primarily on Russian authorities, rather than Ukraine.
The comments follow reports that at least 17 South African men claim they were recruited under false pretences and taken to Russia, where they were allegedly forced into the conflict in Ukraine. The men reportedly believed they were travelling for bodyguard or security training, allegedly linked to activities associated with the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.
In November, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, the eldest daughter of former president Jacob Zuma and former African Union Commission chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, opened a criminal case after 17 South Africans, including eight members of her own family, were allegedly trafficked to Russia.
Zuma-Mncube said the men were lured abroad under false promises and subsequently handed over to a Russian mercenary group, where they were allegedly compelled to participate in the Ukraine conflict without their consent. She said the men are now stranded and have appealed for urgent intervention from the South African government.
Authorities have since arrested five suspects, who have appeared in court in connection with the alleged human trafficking operation.
The case has raised alarm in South Africa and across the continent, highlighting broader concerns about human trafficking, recruitment into foreign conflicts, and the vulnerability of African citizens to exploitation linked to global wars.
