At least two South Africans have died fighting for Russia in Ukraine after being tricked into traveling there, South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said today, quoted by the Associated Press, BTA reported.
This is the first case in which South African authorities confirm that citizens of the country, who were allegedly lured to Russia with false promises of work or training, were killed in the war. Lamola did not give details about the identities or circumstances surrounding the deaths of the South Africans.
He made the remarks during a visit to the families of 11 South Africans who returned home yesterday after allegedly being recruited under a scheme promising them training in Russia but ended up being involved in the conflict in Ukraine.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, is being investigated by police for her alleged role in luring the men to Russia. She has denied any wrongdoing but resigned as an MP last year over the allegations.
Lamola said the two dead were not linked to the group allegedly recruited by Zuma-Sambudla.
Ukraine has said it believes more than 1,700 Africans have been recruited to fight on Russia's side.