South Africa investigates after 17 citizens lured into Ukraine conflict

South Africa’s government announced that it is investigating how 17 of its citizens were drawn into mercenary activity in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as authorities work to secure their safe return.

According to an official statement, the men, aged between 20 and 39, were reportedly lured under the promise of lucrative employment contracts and are currently trapped in Ukraine’s war-torn Donbas region, Reuters reports.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an investigation into the circumstances that led to the recruitment of these young men into these seemingly mercenary activities,” the statement said, highlighting the government’s concern over their involvement.

The statement did not specify which side of the conflict the South Africans were fighting for. Under South African law, citizens are prohibited from providing military assistance to foreign governments or participating in foreign armies without official government authorization.

This incident follows earlier warnings issued by the South African government. In August, authorities cautioned young people against falling victim to fraudulent job offers circulating on social media, including reports that some South African women had been deceived into working on drones in Russia.

Officials emphasized that the government is treating the matter with urgency and is actively coordinating efforts to bring the citizens home safely.

The investigation is expected to examine both the recruitment methods used and any potential legal violations, as Pretoria seeks to prevent further incidents of South Africans being drawn into overseas conflicts under false pretenses.

By Vafa Guliyeva