South Africa is talking with Russia about 17 South African citizens. These people are in Ukraine and are part of the conflict there. They were reportedly tricked into joining the Russian army. Two men from Botswana are also in a similar situation.
The South African government received messages on November 6th. These messages showed the seriousness of the problem. Investigations have found a plan that involved lying to these men. A police report on November 17th named Duduzile Zuma-Mncube. She is the daughter of former President Jacob Zuma. She is accused of running a fake job offer. However, Ms. Zuma-Mncube said she was also tricked.
The men were possibly recruited in July. They were told they would be bodyguards or join training programs. Instead, they were sent to fight. This is very different from what they were promised. It is a serious ethical issue.
President Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said the rescue is "very sensitive." He explained that the South Africans are in "grave danger." The government is talking mostly with Russia. This is because they believe the men were forced to join the army.
Families of the missing men are worried. On December 5th, 13 relatives gathered in Durban. They asked for their loved ones to be brought home safely. This shows how anxious the families are.
This event shows how people can be tricked into dangerous situations. The South African government is trying to protect its citizens. They are working with Russia to bring these people back. This is a difficult diplomatic task.