Minister Lamola: Two South Africans lured to fight in Russia-Ukraine war killed

A group of 11 South African men allegedly lured to fight alongside Russian soldiers in the war against Ukraine arrive at King Shaka International Airport in Durban on Wednesday. Two South Africans lured to fight in the conflict have died. International Relations and Co-operation Minister Ronald Lamola has revealedthattwoSouth Africans lured to fightin the Russia-Ukraine war have died.

International Relations and Co-operation Minister Ronald Lamola has revealed Speaking to news channel eNCA this week, Lamola said the government had been informed of the two deaths. He said these two people were not among thegroup of 17who had appealed for help after they claimed they werelured into fighting on behalf of Russiain the conflict. The families of the 17 men said they were told that they were being recruited for security training and job opportunities in Russia.

Four of the 17 men returned last week. An additional 11 returned on Wednesday, Lamola confirmed. He revealed that the remaining men were in hospital in Russia and the doctors had declared that they were not yet fit to travel.

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Lamola added however that they had been released from their contracts that had kept them in Russia and therefore would be free to leave once well enough to do so. He acknowledged that some individuals may attempt to avoid accountability upon their return. “So you will also understand human nature among some of them.

They do want some of them to try to evade the processes of law enforcement when they come to South Africa. “But the police and all the law enforcement authorities are on standby, ready to deal with all South Africans as they return. “From our side as government, we are very clear that the law must take its course.

Everyone who is involved in this scheme must be held accountable and there must be consequences for this,” Lamola said. Lamola, who met with the families of the South African men recently repatriated,said the ministry is deeply concerned by the “suspicious circumstances” and predatory recruitment tactics used to lure citizens into danger. said the ministry is deeply concerned by the “suspicious circumstances” and predatory recruitment tactics used to lure citizens into danger.

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