Eleven South African citizens, initially recruited to fight alongside Russian forces, landed in Durban on Wednesday. They were part of a group of 17 men who issued a distress call last November when they found themselves trapped in the heart of the fighting in the Donbas.

A repatriation in dribs and drabs

The return of these nationals was staggered:

1. Last week: 4 men arrived in Johannesburg.
2. Wednesday: 11 men were met by police at Durban airport.
3. Still in Russia: 2 men remained on site, one of whom is currently hospitalized.

Recruitment under false pretenses?

According to the South African government, these young men were victims of deceptive recruitment . They were allegedly promised jobs as security guards before being sent, without their knowledge, to the front lines.

An official investigation is underway to determine responsibility. President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly condemned these "mercenary activities," while suspicions are falling on the opposition party uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) , led by former president Jacob Zuma.

The unanswered questions surrounding the case

The case is taking on a major political dimension in South Africa:

1. Internal accusations: Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of Jacob Zuma, had to resign from her seat in Parliament after allegations about her alleged role in this recruitment.
2. Justice demanded: Jabulani Khumalo, founder of the MK party (now in conflict with the current leadership), is calling for sanctions against those who "sold" these men to Russia.
3. Global context: This case is not isolated. According to a report by All Eyes on Wagner , more than 1,400 Africans have been forcibly or deceitfully recruited by the Russian army since 2023.

Note: Despite political tensions, the government stressed that direct diplomatic intervention between Presidents Ramaphosa and Putin helped to accelerate this outcome.