The Republic of South Africa said it had received information about 17 of its citizens who were involved as mercenaries in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and was currently taking action to return them, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
According to the government statement, the men were lured with promises of lucrative employment contracts, but instead ended up involved in armed actions. All are between the ages of 20 and 39 and are currently stranded in the Donbas region of Ukraine.
The South African government says President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an investigation into the circumstances that led to the recruitment of these young men for alleged mercenary activities. It is not specified on whose side the South Africans participated in the conflict.
The document recalls that the country's legislation prohibits citizens from providing military assistance to foreign countries or serving in foreign armies without official permission.
Back in August, authorities warned young people to be careful of fake job advertisements in Russia that are circulating on social networks.