4 of the 19 South Africans Trapped in Donbas, Ukraine Arrive in the Country

• South Africans reacted to the announcement that a small number of the men who are trapped in Donbas, Ukraine, have arrived in South Africa
• The group was reportedly trafficked and lured to Donbas under the pretext of receiving training, allegedly to be bodyguards for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party
• South Africans applauded President Cyril Ramaphosa after he recently spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who promised to assist in returning the men to South Africa

With 10 years’ experience, Tebogo Mokwena, Briefly News’ Deputy Head of the Current Affairs desk, South Africa, provided insights into the criminal justice system, crime statistics, commissions of inquiry, and high-profile cases in South Africa at Daily Sun.

GAUTENG — Four of the 19 men who are trapped in Donbas, Ukraine, have touched down in South Africa on 18 February 2026. This was after they were recruited under false pretences to fight for Russia in the Russia-Ukraine war.

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According to SABC News, the men arrived in the country after they were lured under the pretext of receiving training allegedly to be bodyguards for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party. The party's former Member of Parliament, Duduzile Sambudla-Zuma, was accused of trafficking the men. She has since denied it.

The men were processed at the OR Tambo International Airport in Ekurhuleni and taken into police custody. Ukraine's Centre for Countering Disinformation alleged that Russia recruited 18,000 fighters from over 125 countries. Some of these countries include African states like Somalia, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Asian countries, including Sri Lanka. They were held at prisoner of war camps.

Why were they in Russia?

The South African government announced that the men sent distress calls to the government after they were lured with promises of employment. One of former President Jacob Zuma's daughters opened a case against Duduzile and accused her of luring family members to be trained as bodyguards. Duduzile said that she received training in Russia, but distanced herself from the allegations of human trafficking.

What did South Africans say?

Some netizens welcomed the announcement and thanked President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was recently on a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin promised to assist in bringing the trapped men home.

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LadyM1306! said:

"Thanks to Ramaphosa."

Donald Pump remarked:

"If Cyril plays his cards well, he could use these guys to expose the MK Party, having ensured their release after talking to Putin."

Waltz added:

"That's good news for the day yoh. What an experience. Surely they were praying day and night."

Mr. President said:

"Ramaphosa had them released. Of course, MK will not say it."

5 suspects arrested for men trapped in Ukraine released on bail

In a related article, Briefly News reported that five suspects who were arrested and accused of luring the 19 men to Ukraine were released on bail. The suspects appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrates Court on 8 December.

The suspects face charges of contravening the Foreign Military Assistance Act. Nonkululeko Mantula, a SaFM broadcaster, was granted R30,300 bail. Two of the suspects were granted R5,000 bail. The fourth suspect was granted R15,000.

Source: Briefly News