The South African government has announced it has received distress calls from 17 citizens, aged 20 to 39, who are reportedly trapped in Ukraine's Donbas region after joining "mercenary forces" in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Investigation Initiated
President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the recruitment of these individuals into "seemingly mercenary activities," according to a government spokesman. The official statement did not specify which side of the conflict the South Africans were involved with.
Legal Context in South Africa
Under South African law, engaging in mercenary activities or fighting for another government is prohibited unless explicitly authorized by the South African government.