One hospitalised as 11 more South Africans prepare to leave Russia war

GNU

Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the return of South African men who were reportedly lured into frontline fighting between Russia and Ukraine, while government efforts continue to secure the release of the remaining individuals.

The South African government, working with the Russian authorities, facilitated the safe return of the men after receiving distress calls from 17 South Africans aged between 20 and 39 years.

According to presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, further arrangements are under way to bring more of the men back home.

Magwenya emphasised that “eleven will be on their way home soon. Two remain in Russia with one in a hospital in Moscow, while the other one is being processed before finalising his travel arrangements.”

He added that South Africa’s diplomatic mission in Moscow is monitoring the condition of the injured man.

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

Four of the 17 men have already returned to South Africa following diplomatic engagement between Ramaphosa and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The intervention followed phone discussions between the two leaders on 10 February, during which Putin pledged support for the safe return of the South Africans.

Ramaphosa expressed gratitude for the cooperation received from Russia in facilitating the process.

“The investigation into the circumstances that led to the recruitment of these young men into mercenary activities is ongoing,” the presidency said.

Authorities are also probing how the men were recruited into the conflict, with reports suggesting that South African individuals may have been involved in sending them to Russia under false pretences.

Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safe return of all affected citizens while investigations continue.

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