Four South Africans Recruited by Russia Return Home
Intervention by the South African presidency has secured the return of four South Africans who were allegedly recruited to participate in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict.
The four men – whose identities have not yet been disclosed – are believed to be part of a 17-member group who reportedly signed up in July last year for what they understood to be VIP protection training. Instead, they allegedly found themselves deployed in the war that began when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The recruitment prompted an investigation by the Hawks, resulting in five arrests and a single court appearance at the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court in December.
The investigation was conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Specialised Crimes Against the State unit under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act (1998), which prohibits mercenary activity and regulates the provision of military assistance by South Africans to foreign states.
The situation of the group became public in November after families raised concerns about their relatives being in conflict zones in Ukraine’s North Donetsk region.
According to South African media reports, the four men arrived back in the country on Wednesday, landing at OR Tambo International Airport. Their return reportedly followed a telephone conversation on 10 February between Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. In a statement issued after the call, the Presidency said both leaders pledged support for the repatriation of South Africans fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. Engagements between officials from both countries are ongoing to finalise the process.
Speaking to the SABC, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola described the repatriation as complex and challenging, particularly for those still on the front line. He said the individuals were allegedly recruited by a private security contractor rather than directly by the Russian army, which had complicated diplomatic efforts.
“Because of that sensitivity and the difficulties, we had to escalate the matter to the President of the Russian Federation, and he has been very helpful in supporting our efforts to return the South Africans,” Lamola told the broadcaster.
Efforts are continuing to secure the return of the remaining 13 South Africans believed to still be in the region. A family member told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that 11 other men – including one who reportedly lost a leg – were travelling by bus from Ukraine to Russia and were expected to return to South Africa over the weekend.
Upon arrival, the four returnees were taken into police custody, as South African law prohibits citizens from participating in foreign armed conflicts without official authorisation.