South Africa's government says it has received distress calls from 17 citizens who have joined mercenary forces in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The men are between the ages of 20 and 39 years and are trapped in Ukraine's war-torn Donbas region.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an investigation into the circumstances that led to their recruitment into these seemingly mercenary activities, as the statement did not specify which side they were fighting for.
Working as a mercenary or representing another government without authorization is illegal in South Africa.
The men were lured to join the mercenary forces under the pretext of lucrative contracts, according to the government. Spokesman Vincent Magwenya stated that the government is using diplomatic channels to help facilitate their return.
Sixteen of the men hail from KwaZulu-Natal, while one is from the Eastern Cape. Ramaphosa condemned the exploitation of vulnerable youth by foreign military entities.
As part of a broader context, it has been reported that the Kremlin is expanding its influence in Africa through mercenary recruitment, raising alarms about the involvement of South Africans in these conflicts.
