African citizens are being lured into foreign conflicts under false promises of employment, an international relations expert has warned, as South Africa grapples with the deaths. Two civilians who were conscripted to fight in the Russia–Ukraine War.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation said the two South Africans were not linked to a separate group of 17 people allegedly recruited through the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, but were part of another scheme.
International relations analyst Dr. Gideon Chitanga said it is “quite clear” that, after four years of conflict, both Russia and Ukraine are stepping up recruitment efforts beyond their borders.
“Most people who enlist and find themselves in the battlefield are attracted primarily because they are looking for greener areas, jobs or employment that has been promised to them – they do not necessarily intend to join the military,” Chitanga said.
He said that in many African countries informal or illegal networks were deeply involved in the recruitment of vulnerable individuals.
Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, said two dead Were not part of the group of 17.
“It should be absolutely clear. They were not part of the 17. This is part of some other recruitment drive or some other scheme that got them there,” Lamola said.
He said most South Africans caught in the conflict have been released from the front lines following diplomatic talks between the countries' leadership.
Chitanga said that under South African law, it is illegal for civilians to engage in mercenary activities, and that those who join foreign conflicts do so in their individual capacities.
“South Africa has a proper legal framework that guides its security structures. People who are involved in any conflict leaving the country Russia–Ukraine conflictDo this as individuals,” he said.
However, he stressed that the government still has an obligation to protect its citizens and use diplomatic channels to ensure their return.
Lamola said the government's immediate focus is on facilitating the return of those involved, after which legal procedures will be adopted.
“Whenever they reach South Africa, the law should take its course,” he said, adding that law enforcement agencies are fully prepared if any returnee attempts to evade accountability.
Lamola also called for public vigilance, warning that suspicious job offers abroad – especially those involving “security”, “logistics” or “technical assistance” in high-risk areas – should be treated with caution.
Money Trail and Wagner Link
Presidential Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavweni said an investigation was underway into payments made in advance of the recruitment of 17 people allegedly brought to Russia under false pretenses.
He said that the Russian government has not recruited people directly. Instead, a private military company, Wagner Group, was implicated.
“Some payments were made,” Ntshaveni said. “Investigators need to establish who received the money, for what purpose they received it and what they did with the money.”
Authorities are investigating allegations that R14m was paid to a man in South Africa to procure the men. Investigators are also looking into claims that recruits were required to sign binding contracts and that payments were exchanged before their deployment.
Political consequences and arrests
Allegations have also surfaced against Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has filed criminal charges against him, accusing him of violating human trafficking and anti-mercenary laws.
The party claims it received WhatsApp messages allegedly showing coordination in luring men to Russia with promises of “personal development”, “security training” and possible foreign citizenship.
Zuma-Sambudla have resigned as MK party MPs, with party officials saying the move was voluntary and does not constitute an admission of guilt.
In a related case, five people – including SAFM presenter Nonkululeko Mantula – appeared at Kempton Park Magistrates' Court in December charged with recruiting South Africans to fight in Ukraine. Everyone was granted bail.
The Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, is continuing its investigation into the recruitment network.
continental wide concern
Chitanga said a broader concern for African governments is the exploitation of civilians under false pretenses.
“When they reach Russia or Ukraine, they find themselves forced to fight,” he said. “African countries have a responsibility to protect their citizens under their laws and constitutions.”
He said that although the issue has raised security concerns, it is unlikely to lead to significant changes in diplomatic relations, as individuals – not governments – were formally involved in the conflict.
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