South African officials are talking with Russia. They want to bring home seventeen South African citizens. These men were reportedly made to join the Russian army. Then they were sent to fight in Ukraine. The men say they were tricked into joining the army. This has caused an international problem.
The South African president’s office heard about this problem. A spokesperson said the men, and two from Botswana, went to Russia in July. They were told they could train as bodyguards. Instead, they were put into the Russian army. They are now fighting in Ukraine.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of a former president, is linked to the recruitment. People say she helped trick the men. Ms. Zuma-Sambudla and her sister have reported this to the police. This shows they know something is wrong. However, we do not know exactly what they did.
The South African government calls bringing the men home a "very sensitive process." The men are in great danger. A spokesperson said their lives are at risk. South Africa is talking with Russian officials. This is because the men are in the Russian army. They are also talking with groups in Russia and Ukraine. They hope to free the men.
Many people in South Africa are worried. Families and friends have protested. They want their loved ones to come home safely. These protests show how much this affects people. They hope to be with their families again.
The South African government is working hard to fix this. The Russian embassy in South Africa has not commented. The situation is still changing. South Africa is trying to solve this difficult problem. People are watching to see if the men are brought home.