Lamola launches probe into Russia recruitment, confirms two deaths

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, has urged South Africans to exercise extreme caution when considering job offers abroad, following the repatriation of citizens caught up in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Lamola was in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, where he met with families of the men recently repatriated from Russia.

The minister confirmed the deaths of two South Africans who were killed on the front lines, clarifying that they were not part of the group of 17 allegedly recruited under false pretences. Their families have since been informed.

Eleven of the stranded men have returned home, while two remain in hospital receiving medical care.

Lamola described the joint intervention by South Africa and Russia as a humanitarian effort undertaken under exceptional circumstances.

“The safety of our citizens abroad is a priority,” Lamola said.

The department also raised concerns about what it described as suspicious and potentially predatory recruitment tactics, particularly job offers linked to “security”, “logistics” or “technical support” roles in high-risk regions.

“But we must be clear: if a job offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” Lamola emphasised.

Authorities said evidence has emerged suggesting additional individuals may have been recruited, prompting investigations to determine how many South Africans may have travelled to Russia under similar arrangements.

The department added that efforts are underway to identify and dismantle recruitment networks responsible for luring South Africans into conflict zones, reiterating its call for citizens to conduct thorough due diligence before accepting employment opportunities abroad.

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.
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Written by: Realeboga Nke