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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that 17 South African men who were allegedly deceived into fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine are being repatriated. Four men returned last week, 11 are expected home soon and two remain in Russia.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that 17 South African men who were allegedly deceived into fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine are being repatriated. Four men returned last week, 11 are expected home soon and two remain in Russia.

The men, aged between 20 and 39, reportedly believed they were traveling to Russia for bodyguard training or security jobs but instead ended up on the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine war. They sent distress calls to the South African government in November.

The men, aged between 20 and 39, reportedly believed they were traveling to Russia for bodyguard training or security jobs but instead ended up on the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine war. They sent distress calls to the South African government in November.

President Ramaphosa expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who pledged assistance during a Feb. 10 phone call to support the men's return home. The South African government worked closely with Russian officials to secure their repatriation.

FOX News

President Ramaphosa expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who pledged assistance during a Feb. 10 phone call to support the men's return home. The South African government worked closely with Russian officials to secure their repatriation.

Of the two men remaining in Russia, one is hospitalized in Moscow recovering from injuries while the other is undergoing administrative processing before travel. South Africa's embassy in Moscow continues monitoring the hospitalized individual until he can travel.

Of the two men remaining in Russia, one is hospitalized in Moscow recovering from injuries while the other is undergoing administrative processing before travel. South Africa's embassy in Moscow continues monitoring the hospitalized individual until he can travel.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, has been named as an alleged recruiter in the scheme and resigned as a member of parliament in November. She denies the allegations and stated she believed the men were going for lawful training.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, has been named as an alleged recruiter in the scheme and resigned as a member of parliament in November. She denies the allegations and stated she believed the men were going for lawful training.

An investigation into the recruitment circumstances is ongoing, as working as a mercenary or fighting for another government is illegal in South Africa without authorization. Five people were arrested in December on charges related to alleged recruitment for the Russian military.

An investigation into the recruitment circumstances is ongoing, as working as a mercenary or fighting for another government is illegal in South Africa without authorization. Five people were arrested in December on charges related to alleged recruitment for the Russian military.

South African Men Deceived Into Ukraine War Repatriated

South African Men Deceived Into Ukraine War Repatriated

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South African Men Deceived Into Ukraine War Repatriated

South African Men Deceived Into Ukraine War Repatriated

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