SA government probes deaths of two citizens in Russia

The South African government is investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two South Africans in Russia.

At this stage, the identities of the pair and the specific reasons for their presence in the country remain unclear.

To date, all South African men known to have been recruited to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war have been accounted for.

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed the two recent deaths during a media briefing in Durban on Thursday.

THE FRONTLINE RECRUITMENT

Last year, a total of 17 South African men joined the frontlines. Of that group, 15 have returned home, while two others remain in Russia under the supervision of South African authorities.

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Earlier on Thursday, Minister Lamola met with the families of the men who were lured into the conflict.

International Relations spokesperson Chrispin Phiri remarked on the nature of the engagement.“The meeting served as a humanitarian touchpoint after the safe return of their family members from the conflict zone.”

SEPARATE FATALITIES CONFIRMED

In a separate matter, Phiri confirmed the deaths of two additional South Africans not included in the original group of 17.

“Separate to the above-mentioned 17, the South African Government has been informed that two South Africans lost their lives on the front lines, and the families have been informed,” Phiri stated.

Government has indicated it is currently probing war recruitment networks to understand how South Africans are being drawn into the foreign conflict.