Two South Africans trapped in Ukraine war zone killed, Lamola confirms

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola. Picture: Gallo Images/OJ Koloti The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has confirmed that two South Africans have died on the frontlines in the Ukraine-Russia war. The minister formally met with the families of the 17 South African men who were repatriated after being caught in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday.

Lamola confirmed that the families of the two men who were killed have been informed. “They were not part of the 17. It’s part of another recruitment drive for another scheme that took them there,” the minister said in abriefing on the return of the South African men from Russia.

“Except for those that died, there are also others that were part of this scheme.” He added that almost all South Africans have been released from the frontline, and the focus is now on their return. The minister emphasised that the law must be enforced on all returning South Africans. “The police and all the law enforcement authorities are on standby, ready to deal with all South Africans as they return,” Lamola said.

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“From our side as government, we are very clear that the law must take its course. Everyone who is involved must be held accountable, and there must be consequences for this.” The men were allegedly lured to Russia under false promises of lucrative jobs and later signed binding contracts. When South Africans tried to secure their release, those who had contacted them refused to release them without payment.

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