Govt says 17 SAns lured to Russia to fight against Ukraine not abandoned

Government said it has not abandoned the 17 South Africans who remain trapped in Russia after being lured there to fight in the country’s war with Ukraine.

It has been nearly three weeks since it emerged that the group was taken to Russia under false pretences after being told they would be receiving security training.

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It is alleged that they were recruited to Russia by former uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party Member of Parliament (MP) Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla under misleading claims.

Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni confirmed that engagements with Russian authorities are ongoing.

“These are matters that will be ventilated in court. There are people who’ve been arrested by the Hawks for taking people out of the country. We should allow the process in court to take its course. What I can comment on is that we remain engaged with the Russian authorities to return the South Africans who are in Russia.”