WATCH | Lamola confirms death of two South Africans in war-torn Ukraine

Pretoria – Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola has confirmed that two South Africans have died while fighting on the frontlines of the Ukraine-Russia war.

The two were not among the 17 South African men recently repatriated from Russia.

Their families have been informed of their deaths.

Lamola met with the families of the 17 men in KwaZulu-Natal, saying most South Africans who had been caught up in the conflict have now been released and efforts are focused on ensuring their safe return.

“They were not part of the 17. It’s part of another recruitment drive for another scheme that took them there,” the minister.

“Except for those that died, there are also others that were part of this scheme.”

He was briefing on the return of the South African men from Russia.

WATCH | Ronald Lamola says, “There are other South Africans that we have since discovered were part of the process, and there are others that we have also discovered have died. The ones we are aware of are two, but they were not part of the 17.” He is briefing on the return of… pic.twitter.com/XGGDZB00Ul

— SABC News (@SABCNews) February 26, 2026

He stressed that law enforcement authorities are ready to act and that anyone involved in unlawful activities must be held accountable.

“The police and all the law enforcement authorities are on standby, ready to deal with all South Africans as they return,” Lamola said.

“From our side as government, we are very clear that the law must take its course. Everyone who is involved must be held accountable, and there must be consequences for this.”

International Relations Minister, Ronald Lamola says the law must take it its course in the case of South African men that were lured into the Russia-Ukraine war. He insists everyone involved must be held accountable. Tune in to #eNCA, channel #DStv403. pic.twitter.com/1XvLugXUKL

— eNCA (@eNCA) February 26, 2026

The 17 men were allegedly lured to Russia with promises of lucrative jobs but later signed binding contracts and were reportedly not released without payment.

WATCH | Ronald Lamola says, “There are other South Africans that we have since discovered were part of the process, and there are others that we have also discovered have died. The ones we are aware of are two, but they were not part of the 17.” He is briefing on the return of… pic.twitter.com/XGGDZB00Ul

— SABC News (@SABCNews) February 26, 2026

The government has described the recruitment process as suspicious and predatory, warning South Africans to be cautious of overseas job offers, especially those linked to security or logistics roles in high-risk areas.

Dirco is investigating the networks behind the recruitment schemes.

Meanwhile, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni confirmed that authorities are probing claims that R14 million was paid for the men to fight without their knowledge.

She said the Russian government was not involved in recruiting them, but Cyril Ramaphosa engaged Vladimir Putin to help secure their return.