The South African government is investigating allegations that payments were made to facilitate the involvement of 17 men from the country in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni stated that the government is working to determine who received the money and how it was used.
The men, aged between 20 and 39 were allegedly recruited under false pretenses, with promises of lucrative job contracts, but ended up on the frontline in Ukraine.
Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube opened a criminal case against her sister Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, accusing her of recruiting the men for the war.
Five suspects have already been arrested and will appear in court for allegedly recruiting South Africans to fight in the conflict.
The government is taking the matter seriously, with law enforcement agencies working to uncover the full extent of the recruitment operation.
Ntshavheni emphasized that the government is responsible for ensuring the country’s safety and security, and assured that the situation is under control.
The government is also working to understand the circumstances surrounding the recruitment and the involvement of South Africans in the conflict.
Families of the affected men are seeking answers and assistance, and the government has urged anyone with information to come forward.
The situation has raised concerns about human trafficking and exploitation, with many questioning how the recruitment went undetected.
The government is facing pressure to take action and protect its citizens from such schemes.
Sub-Editor :Sekgala Mokgadi
