Durban – The mortal remains of 44-year-old Sihle Makhaye, who was reportedly lured to Russia for a job, have been repatriated to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Makhaye was one of several South African men reportedly lured to Russia under false promises of security jobs, but once there, they were allegedly coerced into paramilitary training and sent to fight in Ukraine.
While some of the group managed to return home in March 2026, Makhaye tragically died there.
“The mortal remains will arrive today at 13:15 at the King Shaka International Airport,” revealed Kwaulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma on Sunday, 14 June 2026.
“On the 8th of April, 2026, at 23h30, we were contacted by his wife, Sibonile Ndwandwe, requesting us to assist her family with the repatriation of her husband.
“She indicated that Makhaye from Kranskop was lured to Russia with a promise of a lucrative job.
“She further stated that on the 28th of March, she received the news of his untimely death, which left their children and family devastated.”
