Four South African men who were allegedly tricked into joining Russian forces fighting in Ukraine have returned home to Johannesburg, where police awaited their arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport. Their return comes months after a larger group of 17 citizens who found themselves trapped in the conflict zone sent distress calls for help, prompting government intervention and investigations into how they were recruited. Earlier this month, Cyril Ramaphosa raised the issue directly with Vladimir Putin, securing support for bringing stranded fighters home. Now, these four returnees face legal uncertainty at home, as South African law strictly prohibits citizens from fighting in foreign armies without authorization. Meanwhile, authorities scramble to secure the release of the remaining trapped soldiers.
Reuters
