Seventeen South African citizens, primarily young men from KwaZulu-Natal, are stranded in Ukraine's Donbas conflict zone after being duped by fraudulent employment offers. President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned their illegal recruitment as mercenaries, ordering urgent government action to secure their safe return. Officials confirmed the men, aged 20 to 39, contacted families pleading for assistance after discovering the deception.
Recruiters allegedly used social media to promise high-paying security or construction jobs, violating South Africa's Foreign Military Assistance Act. International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola stated authorities are working with Ukrainian officials and global partners on repatriation efforts. The government has launched investigations to identify and prosecute those responsible for the scheme.
South Africa maintains neutrality regarding the Russia-Ukraine war but emphasizes strict laws prohibiting citizens from joining foreign military activities without authorization. Families described desperate conditions facing the group amid ongoing combat. Ramaphosa directed multiple agencies to coordinate the rescue operation while warning citizens about deceptive overseas job offers targeting vulnerable communities.
Recruiters allegedly used social media to promise high-paying security or construction jobs, violating South Africa's Foreign Military Assistance Act. International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola stated authorities are working with Ukrainian officials and global partners on repatriation efforts. The government has launched investigations to identify and prosecute those responsible for the scheme.
South Africa maintains neutrality regarding the Russia-Ukraine war but emphasizes strict laws prohibiting citizens from joining foreign military activities without authorization. Families described desperate conditions facing the group amid ongoing combat. Ramaphosa directed multiple agencies to coordinate the rescue operation while warning citizens about deceptive overseas job offers targeting vulnerable communities.
