The South African government has confirmed that it is assisting 17 South African men who are stranded in the war-torn Donbas region of Ukraine after being deceived into joining mercenary forces under the guise of lucrative job opportunities.
The men, aged between 20 and 39, have reportedly pleaded for help to return home. Sixteen of them are from KwaZulu Natal, while one is from the Eastern Cape.
According to the Presidency, the men were misled by promises of well-paying employment that ultimately drew them into the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an investigation into how the recruitment occurred and the individuals or entities responsible for the deception.
The Presidency also reminded citizens that the Foreign Military Assistance Act of 1998 prohibits South Africans or local organisations from providing military support to foreign governments or joining foreign armed forces without authorisation from the South African government.
Government officials are now working through diplomatic channels to facilitate the safe return of the men.
President Ramaphosa has condemned the exploitation of vulnerable young people by individuals linked to foreign military operations and vowed that the matter will be treated with urgency.
Facebook Comments