South Africans Sent to Fight in Russia’s War

Several South Africans were repatriated from Russia after being lured under false pretences and sent to fight in the Ukraine war. Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, was implicated in the recruitment drive. The recruits were promised security training but ended up on the front lines in Ukraine. They were allegedly paid by Russia’s Wagner Group. The returnees fear reprisals and prosecution under South African law. The President of South Africa intervened to secure their repatriation. The men were subjected to dangerous duties and racial abuse while in Ukraine.

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