Summary
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for helping return 17 South Africans who were misled into joining the Russia-Ukraine war. The men, who thought they were going to Russia for bodyguard training, ended up in combat. Most of them are back in South Africa, with the remaining few expected to return soon.
Key Facts
- 17 South Africans were tricked into joining the Russia-Ukraine war.
- They believed they were going to Russia for bodyguard training.
- President Ramaphosa contacted President Putin to help secure their release.
- So far, four of these men have returned to South Africa.
- 11 more men are on their way back, and two are still in Russia.
- Working as mercenaries without government authorization is illegal in South Africa.
- The daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma is accused of recruiting them.
- She denies these accusations and claims she thought the training was lawful.
