Four South African men have returned to the country after reportedly becoming trapped in the Russia Ukraine conflict zone in eastern Ukraine. Their arrival at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport on Wednesday was reported by the public broadcaster SABC and carried by international and local media.
The development comes days after President Cyril Ramaphosa and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the broader conflict and agreed to support a process to return South Africans who had been fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.
What is confirmed so far
Reuters reported that police were waiting at O.R. Tambo International Airport to meet the men on arrival, citing SABC’s reporting. The four are linked to a wider group of South Africans who previously contacted the South African government with distress calls and requested assistance to return home.
A government statement carried by SAnews in November 2025 said 17 South African men, aged 20 to 39, were trapped in the Donbas region and had appealed for help, describing the situation as suspected mercenary activity and confirming that an investigation had been ordered into how they were recruited.
In the February 10 call, the Presidency said teams from South Africa and Russia would continue engagements to finalise the return process for South Africans involved.
Allegations about recruitment and promises of work
The circumstances behind the men’s departure have been the subject of investigation and public debate since late 2025. News24 reported that the four men were allegedly lured to Russia under false pretences of bodyguard training, with allegations linked to individuals associated with the MK Party and Duduzile Zuma Sambudla. Those claims have been reported as allegations and remain part of ongoing scrutiny.
Separately, South African law enforcement has already taken action in cases tied to alleged recruitment efforts. In December 2025, EWN reported that five suspects were due in court in a matter involving alleged recruitment for Russian forces, with arrests linked to activity flagged at O.R. Tambo International Airport.
In February 2026, Sowetan and IOL reported further court proceedings involving five accused, including an SABC-linked individual, facing charges related to contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.
What the law says in South Africa
South African law places restrictions on citizens providing military assistance to foreign governments or participating in foreign armed forces without authorisation.
A government statement carried by SAnews referenced the Foreign Military Assistance Act framework and described the alleged conduct as prohibited unless authorised by the South African government.
Two key legal instruments often cited in this context include:
- The Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, 1998, which regulates the rendering of foreign military assistance by South African citizens and entities.
- The Prohibition of Mercenary Activities and Regulation of Certain Activities in Country of Armed Conflict Act, 2006, which prohibits mercenary activity and regulates military-related assistance and enlistment in a country of armed conflict.
DIRCO has previously issued public advisories warning South Africans that joining foreign armed forces without the required permissions can expose them to prosecution under these frameworks.
Diplomatic and political implications
South Africa has sought to position itself as non-aligned in the Russia Ukraine conflict while maintaining diplomatic relations with Moscow through multilateral platforms such as BRICS. Reuters noted that the repatriation issue was raised in the Ramaphosa Putin engagement, with the Presidency publicly confirming support for the return process.
For South African authorities, the returns present two parallel challenges:
- Securing safe repatriation for citizens who say they were deceived or trapped.
- Investigating alleged recruiters and assessing potential legal consequences for those who may have taken part in prohibited foreign military activity.
Reuters reported that a police spokesperson and South Africa’s foreign ministry declined to comment on the day of the reported return.
Timeline of key developments
- 6 November 2025: A government statement carried by SAnews said 17 South Africans, aged 20 to 39, were trapped in Donbas and an investigation was ordered into recruitment.
- 10 February 2026: The Presidency said Ramaphosa and Putin pledged support for returning South Africans fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.
- 18 February 2026: SABC reported four South Africans returned via O.R. Tambo International Airport, with Reuters reporting police were waiting to meet them.
What happens next
While official details remain limited, the expected next steps generally include:
- Verification and interviews: Authorities may verify identities, travel routes, and circumstances of recruitment, especially given prior government statements describing the wider case as suspected mercenary activity.
- Ongoing investigation into recruiters: Court matters linked to alleged recruitment are already active, with multiple outlets reporting charges tied to contraventions of the Foreign Military Assistance Act.
- Further repatriations: The Presidency has indicated the return process is ongoing and subject to continued engagement between the two governments.
For families of those still believed to be in the conflict region, the reported return of four men may be seen as proof that diplomatic channels are producing results, even as investigations continue.
