Seventeen South African Men Stranded In Ukraine’s War-Torn Donbas After Fake Job Promises

Seventeen South African men have become trapped in Ukraine’s volatile Donbas region after reportedly being lured by false promises of lucrative jobs.

According to the South African government, a distress call was received from the group, who are now appealing for help to return home. Sixteen of the men are from KwaZulu-Natal, while one hails from the Eastern Cape.

Authorities believe the men were deceived into joining mercenary operations involved in the Russia-Ukraine war, under the guise of employment contracts offering attractive pay.

SA Government Launches Investigation into Mercenary Recruitment

The Presidency confirmed that participating in foreign armed conflicts or providing military assistance to foreign governments is illegal under South African law unless explicitly authorised by the state.

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya stated, “President Ramaphosa has ordered an investigation into the circumstances that led to the recruitment of the young men following their mercenary involvement.

“The South African government is working through diplomatic channels to secure the return following their calls to return home.”

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Government officials say diplomatic discussions are currently in progress to facilitate the safe return of the 17 stranded men.

“The South African government is working through diplomatic channels to secure the release of the 17 men,” officials reiterated, adding that the investigation ordered by President Cyril Ramaphosa aims to uncover how the recruitment network managed to reach South African citizens.

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