CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — South Africa’s foreign minister confirmed Thursday that no fewer than two citizens from the nation have perished while serving Russian forces in Ukraine, having been deceived by fraudulent recruitment operations.
This marks the initial confirmation from South African officials that any of their nationals—who were reportedly enticed to Russia through deceptive promises of job opportunities or educational programs—have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola declined to identify the two deceased individuals or provide details about when their deaths occurred.
Lamola made this disclosure during his visit with relatives of 11 South Africans who returned to their homeland Wednesday following their alleged recruitment through a fraudulent operation that promised security instruction in Russia but ultimately led to their participation in the Ukrainian war.
Law enforcement is investigating Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, for her suspected role in recruiting these men to travel to Russia. While she has rejected any accusations of misconduct, she stepped down from her legislative position last year due to these claims.
According to Lamola, the two individuals who perished were not part of the group that Zuma-Sambudla allegedly helped recruit.
Ukrainian officials estimate that over 1,700 African nationals have been enlisted to serve in Russia’s military forces.
