Sema Fonkem 25 Feb 2026

After several months of uncertainty, a second flight has landed at King Shaka International Airport, Durban carrying a group of 11 South African men who were lured to Russia in July 2025.

According to reports, the men were taken to Russia under false pretence that they will be receiving private security training. Upon arrival in Russia, they were forcefully recruited to fight against Ukraine alongside mercenaries assiting the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

A group of four men arrived last week at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Two men are still left in Russia with one receiving medical treatment for serious injuries while the documentation for the second man is being processed.

Out of 17 men aged 20 to 39 years old who left for Russia 15 have safely returned home after a February 10, 2026 telephone call between South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Vladimir Putin.

Government of South Africa, Hawks and South African Police Service (SAPS) are still investigating the recruitment process which may be linked to an international human trafficking ring.

According to reports, at least three people are currently being investigated including Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma. She denies any involvement but has since resigned as a lawmaker in parliament following the accusation.

Family members of the men, South Africans and everyone concerned have praised president Ramaphosa for his timely intervention after the presidency received a distressed call from the victims in December 2025.

The 17 men were trapped at the Donbas Region where Russia now has majority control of the territory.

South African law ban citizens from fighting in a foreign country’s army without authorisation from government.

About 1,400 citizens from 36 African countries have been identified among the Russian Armed Forces and mercenary groups.