The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, has formally met with the families of the South African men recently repatriated after being caught in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The meeting served as a humanitarian touchpoint after the safe return of their family members from the conflict zone.

A Compassionate Return Under Exceptional Circumstances

Minister Lamola expressed the government’s relief regarding the safe return of these citizens, acknowledging the immense distress their families have endured. While the specific details surrounding their recruitment remain under active investigation, the Minister emphasised that this government intervention was an exceptional measure taken to preserve South African lives.

“The safety of our citizens abroad is a priority, but we must be clear: the circumstances that led to this situation were highly irregular,”

Minister Lamola stated:

“Our empathy for the families is matched by our duty to uphold the laws of our Republic.”

A Call for Public Vigilance

The Ministry is deeply concerned by the “suspicious circumstances” and predatory recruitment tactics used to lure citizens into danger.

“If a job offer abroad sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” the Minister cautioned. South Africans are urged to exercise extreme due diligence when pursuing international employment, particularly those involving “security,” “logistics,” or “technical support” in high-risk regions.

The government continues to investigate the networks involved in these recruitment efforts to ensure that those who exploit vulnerable citizens face the full might of the law.

Separate to the above mentioned 17, the South African Government has been informed that, two South Africans lost their lives on the front lines, and the families have been informed.

Enquiries: Ministry Spokesperson Chrispin Phiri

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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