South Africa's government is talking with Russia. They want to bring home seventeen South African citizens. Two people from Botswana are also involved. These people are reportedly fighting in Ukraine. They may have been tricked into joining the Russian army. South Africa says the men were misled.
The government learned about this in early November. They received calls for help. President Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said the situation is very serious. He said the men are in a dangerous place. Their lives are in great danger.
Discussions are happening with Russia and Ukraine. However, the main talks are with Russia. Magwenya explained that Russia is the focus. This is because the men seem to have been pushed into the Russian military. This may have started around July.
The men were promised jobs. Instead, they were put into the Russian army. Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is mentioned in these stories. She is the daughter of former president Jacob Zuma. She allegedly told recruits they were training as bodyguards.
One of Jacob Zuma's daughters, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, made a police report. It names Zuma-Sambudla and two others. They are accused of tricking people. Zuma-Sambudla also made a complaint. She named Blessing Khoza in her complaint.
Families and friends of the men are worried. On December 5th, relatives protested in Durban. They want their loved ones to come home quickly. This shows the sad effect of the alleged lies.
The South African government is working hard. They want to get their citizens out of the dangerous conflict. This situation shows how people can be tricked. It happens when they are offered false promises. The government's work to solve this problem is important.