At least two South Africans have died fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola revealed on Thursday, as 15 men reportedly tricked into joining mercenary forces were repatriated to South Africa.
Eleven men landed back in the country on Wednesday, part of a group of 17 who requested help from Pretoria after being trapped for months in the epicentre of fighting in Ukraine’s Donbas region. Four arrived home last week, while two remained in Russia receiving medical treatment for “very severe” injuries, Lamola said.
“There are other South Africans that we have since discovered were part of the process, and we have since discovered that some have also died,” Lamola told state broadcaster SABC.
The government was notified by the Russian embassy of two men who had died, he said, who had been “part of another recruitment drive or another scheme”. The minister did not specify how many South Africans remained on the frontlines.
The first group of 17 men were allegedly sent to Russia for security guard training by the opposition Umkhonto we Sizwe party, which is headed by former president Jacob Zuma, South Africa’s leader between 2009 and 2018.
One of Zuma’s daughters, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, resigned from parliament in November after claims she was involved in recruiting the men. Her alleged involvement is currently under investigation by the Hawks.
“The 17 that were recruited through the processes that involved the MK party are all back, except those that could not travel due to medical reasons,” Lamola said. “Whoever was responsible to recruit these young people into this ordeal must be held accountable.”
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In a separate case, five suspects appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court last week charged with attempting to join the Russian military. Patricia Mantula (39), a SAFM radio host, Thulani Mazibuko (24), Siphamandla Chabalala (23), and Sfiso Mabena (21) face charges under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998.
The group was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after police intercepted them attempting to board a flight to Russia via the United Arab Emirates. Investigators allege Mantula played a central role by facilitating both travel arrangements and recruitment of her four co-accused. The case has been postponed to 29 April to allow authorities to obtain financial records and mutual legal assistance from Russia.
South African law prohibits its citizens from fighting for a foreign country’s army without government authorisation. Violations can result in substantial penalties, including imprisonment.
Ukraine said on Wednesday that more than 1,780 citizens from 36 African countries had been identified among Russia’s ranks, and that some of them had been captured.
