13 South African Men Sent to Fight in Ukraine Are Set to Return Home

Published 23 Feb 2026 at 11:58 AM

by Mbalenhle Butale

3 min read

A representative of the families of 17 South African men sent abroad under false pretences has confirmed that the remaining 13 are on their way home
The men, allegedly recruited by the MK party, were reportedly sent to fight in the war in Ukraine
They are expected to arrive in South Africa tomorrow, bringing relief to their anxious families

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Men in Ukraine — 13 men sent to fight in Ukraine are set to return home. Image: Ed Jone/ Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG — Thulani Mahlangu, the lawyer representing the families of 17 South African men allegedly sent to Russia under false pretences, has confirmed that the remaining 13 men are on their way home.

Speaking to journalist Clement Manyathela, Mahlangu said the men are expected to arrive in South Africa tomorrow, 24 February 2026.

The men, all allegedly recruited by the MK party, were reportedly promised work opportunities abroad but were instead sent to fight in the war in Ukraine. The revelation has sparked outrage among their families, who feared for the safety of their loved ones.

Four men returned from the Ukraine

So far, four men who were among a group allegedly recruited under false pretences to fight for Russia in the war in Ukraine have returned. Four of the 17 men have already returned to South Africa and provided statements to investigators as the Hawks probe how the group was lured into the conflict, with families reporting promises of high salaries and security training that never materialised. South Africans on social media and in public discourse have expressed mixed reactions, debating responsibility for the recruitment and the ongoing risks faced by those still on the front lines.

Two men were injured in the war

Further reports stated that two of the men in the group sustained serious injuries in drone attacks in Ukraine. According to the Sunday Times, a 39-year-old and a 45-year-old were injured in drone attacks during the ongoing fighting. The younger of the men suffered injuries which resulted in the amputation of his foot, while the older of the two has been confined to a wheelchair. It is unclear whether his condition is permanent.

Social media reacts

@XolaniMamkeli asked:

"What is it they went to do in Russia? Who recruited them?"

@Sunflowerreal commented:·

"They must have seen horrible things on that side. I hope they will offer them therapy."

@zane992349331said:

"They must be charged for being mercenaries because it's not allowed in SA."

@tibiniza wrote:

"Who is paying for them? Will DIRCO send an invoice of reparation to MKP."

@LetsoaloRant stated:

"Our war veterans.Struggle stalwarts. I am sure they are loaded."

Ukraine men — Reports say two of the men were seriously injured in the war. Image: Andrii Kotliarchuk/ Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

Briefly News also reported that a South African Afrikaner man went viral after sharing a video claiming he is fighting on the frontlines in the Ukraine war, saying he “couldn’t stand by” and felt compelled to join the conflict. His remarks drew attention to foreign nationals participating in the conflict far from home, highlighting personal motivations amid a brutal battlefield. The man said Ukrainians remind him of South Africans because of their living nature and resilience.