South Africans Come Back from Fighting with Russian Forces in Ukraine
The men were part of a larger group of nineteen South Africans who, last July, were allegedly recruited to travel to Russia under the promise of employment but instead ended up fighting with Russian troops in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The four returned past 4 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) at OR Tambo International Airport, where the broadcaster aired footage of their arrival. Authorities said the men would be processed by South African police.
Investigations launched last November focused on allegations that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla of former President Jacob Zuma, played a role in recruiting South African men to fight in Ukraine.
Reports indicate that men aged between 20 and 39 were enticed with job opportunities in Russia but were ultimately enrolled in the army and deployed to the front lines against their wishes.
Later in November, South African authorities arrested four individuals attempting to travel to Russia via the United Arab Emirates on suspicion of joining a foreign military.
South African law prohibits citizens and residents from taking part in unauthorized foreign military operations or mercenary activity.
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola expressed hope that the remaining South African men abroad would return safely. Earlier this month, President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke with his Vladimir Putin counterpart to discuss the process for repatriating citizens involved with Russian forces in Ukraine.
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