Pretoria – At least 17 South Africans, who claim they were lured under false pretexts to train as VIP protection guards and instead ended up as fighters in the Russia-Ukraine war, are returning home.
The 17 men between the ages of 20 and 39 years had sent distressed calls for assistance to return home.
“Out of the 17 men, four are already back in the country, while 11 will be on their way home soon,” explained the Presidency on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.
“Two remain in Russia, with one in a hospital in Moscow, while the other one is being processed before finalising his travel arrangements.”
Commenting further on the matter, the Presidency said the “South African government, working closely with the Russian government, has secured a safe return of the men”.
The Presidency added: “President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the return of the South African men who were lured into the battle lines between Russia and Ukraine by South African elements that remain under investigation”.
“President Ramaphosa has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Vladimir Putin, who responded positively to his call to support the process of returning the men home.
“President Putin had pledged his support during a telephone call with President Ramaphosa held on the 10th of February 2026.”
The South African embassy in Moscow will continue to monitor the individual who is in the hospital until he has fully recovered to travel.
“The investigation into the circumstances that led to the recruitment of these young men into mercenary activities is ongoing,” stated Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President.
