Summary
South Africa is bringing home 11 men who were reportedly tricked into fighting for Russia in Ukraine. President Cyril Ramaphosa worked with Russian President Vladimir Putin to arrange their return. South Africa is investigating how these men were recruited without official permission.
Key Facts
- 11 South African men were brought home after being lured to fight for Russia in Ukraine.
- South Africa's President Ramaphosa thanked Russia's President Putin for helping with their return.
- The men were among 17 who called for help from Ukraine's Donbas region, a key conflict area.
- South African law prohibits citizens from joining foreign armed forces without approval.
- Reports say people from Kenya and other African countries were also recruited under false pretenses.
- Three people, including Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, are being investigated for recruitment related to this case.
- Ukraine identified over 1,400 fighters from African countries among Russian ranks.
- The returned men were questioned by police in South Africa as part of an ongoing investigation.
