JOHANNESBURG — Eleven South African citizens touched down at King Shaka International Airport in Durban on Wednesday, immediately facing police interrogation after allegedly being recruited to battle for Russia in the Ukrainian conflict.
Upon their arrival, the men were escorted directly to the airport police station for questioning regarding their involvement in the war zone. Airport witnesses observed one individual being removed from the plane in a wheelchair, while his companions carried what appeared to be military-style duffel bags.
This homecoming increases the total count of returned South Africans to 15, though two individuals remain in Russia. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Tuesday that one person continues receiving medical treatment at a Russian hospital, while another awaits completion of travel paperwork before departing.
According to Police Colonel Katlego Mogale, authorities launched an investigation last week focusing on violations of South African legislation that forbids citizens from participating in overseas military conflicts without government approval.
The probe has expanded to include five suspects connected to recruiting these men for Russian service, notably featuring Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma. Despite denying any criminal activity, she stepped down from her parliamentary position following these allegations.
Reports indicate several recruits have family ties to the Zuma clan and were personally enlisted by Zuma-Sambudla herself.
December arrests resulted in five individuals facing recruitment-related charges, with their court appearances scheduled for April.
