South Africa's government is talking with Russia. They want to help seventeen South African citizens. Two people from Botswana also need help. They are fighting in Ukraine. Some say they were tricked. They may have joined the Russian army by mistake.
The government heard about this in November. People asked for help. The president's helper, Vincent Magwenya, said it is very serious. The men are in a dangerous place. Their lives are at risk.
Talks are with Russia and Ukraine. But most talks are with Russia. Magwenya said Russia is the main country. The men were put into the Russian army. This started around July.
They were promised jobs. But they went into the army. Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is named. She is the daughter of a former president. She told people they would train as guards.
One daughter of a former president made a police report. It names Zuma-Sambudla. She is accused of tricking people.
Families are very worried. They want their loved ones home. This shows how lies can hurt people.
The government is working hard. They want to bring citizens home. This shows how people can be tricked. False promises can be bad. The government's work is important.