The South African government has launched an investigation following reports that its citizens are being recruited to fight in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
According to TVP World, officials confirmed that distress signals were received from 17 South Africans who had joined mercenary formations and found themselves in the combat zone in Donbas.
Authorities say the men, aged between 20 and 39, were allegedly lured to Russia with promises of lucrative jobs. Instead, they were sent to the front lines and are now unable to return home.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an inquiry to determine who was responsible for recruiting South Africans and under what conditions it occurred.
Officials stressed that such activities are illegal under South African law, which prohibits citizens from taking part in foreign military operations or providing military assistance to other states without government authorization.
