JOHANNESBURG - The government is responding to distress calls from 17 South African citizens,
trapped in Ukraine's war torn Donbas region.
Most are young men from KwaZulu-Natal, reportedly recruited under the promise of lucrative jobs to join foreign mercenary forces.
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This is illegal under South Africa's Foreign Military Assistance Act.
President Ramaphosa has ordered an investigation and is working through diplomatic channels to secure their safe return.
He has condemned the exploitation of vulnerable young people by foreign military recruiters.