The South African government confirmed the return of several men who had allegedly joined mercenary forces in the conflict in Ukraine, believing they were traveling to Russia for bodyguard training. Last November, distress calls were received from this group, who found themselves on the front lines against Ukrainian forces. President Cyril Ramaphosa's office stated that four men had returned, with 11 more expected home soon and another two at a later stage. An investigation into their recruitment is currently underway.

Working as a mercenary or fighting on behalf of another government without explicit authorization is illegal under South African law. Relatives of the men reported to the BBC that upon their arrival in Russia, they were given contracts to sign which, being written in Russian, they did not understand to be for mercenary combat against Ukrainian forces.

President Ramaphosa collaborated closely with Russian officials to secure the men's repatriation. His spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, confirmed on Tuesday that most of the men were expected back soon, adding, “Two remain in Russia with one in a hospital in Moscow, while the other one is being processed before finalising his travel arrangements.” Ramaphosa had discussed the situation with President Vladimir Putin on February 10, with Magwenya relaying Ramaphosa’s “heartfelt gratitude” to Putin for his positive response to the request for assistance. South Africa’s embassy in Moscow will continue to monitor the citizen hospitalized until he can travel.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, has been implicated as an alleged recruiter in this scheme, an accusation she denies. Zuma-Sambudla resigned as an MP in late November over the scandal. In an affidavit, she claimed she believed the men, some of whom are her relatives, were going to Russia for “lawful” training, asserting, “I would not, under any circumstances, knowingly expose my own family or any other person to harm.” Her statement to the police followed a criminal complaint filed by her half-sister, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, who accused her of deceiving South Africans into joining the war.

In a separate, but related case, five individuals, including a radio presenter from South Africa’s public broadcaster, were arrested in December on charges linked to the alleged recruitment of men for the Russian military. These five were subsequently released on bail, and their trial has yet to commence.