Pretoria engages Moscow to secure return of South Africans lured by false training promises

The South African government has affirmed that the safety of 17 South Africans currently in Russia remains a top priority, as diplomatic discussions continue with Russian authorities to facilitate their return home.

The group was allegedly lured to Russia last month by MK Party member Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla. According to reports, they were recruited under the false promise of receiving specialised training to serve as party bodyguards.

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However, the government has since confirmed that the men have been stationed on the Russian front lines, a development that has raised serious concerns regarding their immediate safety and well-being.

Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed that Pretoria is actively engaging with Moscow to resolve the situation.

“They are in a dangerous environment and are facing grave danger. We are still in discussions with various authorities, both in Russia and in Ukraine, to see how we can free them from the situation. In fact, the emphasis is more on the authorities in Russia,” Magwenya stated.

Magwenya emphasised that the government has not abandoned its efforts to secure the group’s safe return.
“It remains an issue of priority for the government as well as the President, and it is a matter receiving the highest possible attention within our government,” he added.