South Africa’s government has confirmed it is in active discussions with Russian authorities to secure the return of a group of South African citizens who are currently involved in Russia’s war effort in Ukraine, following claims they were misled into joining the conflict.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the government had received distress calls from the men and considers their situation a high priority due to the risks they face in an active war zone. According to the government, the men were incorporated into Russian military units and are now exposed to serious danger.

The case involves 17 South African nationals and two citizens of Botswana who travelled to Russia in July. Multiple legal complaints allege that the group was recruited under false pretences, having been told they would receive training for non-combat roles, including work as bodyguards or participation in a professional development programme.

The accusations have drawn national attention because they involve Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma. She has been named in several lawsuits alleging she played a role in facilitating the men’s recruitment. Zuma-Sambudla has denied wrongdoing and has filed her own police complaint, stating that she herself was deceived by another individual involved in the recruitment process.

Government officials said diplomatic engagement is focused primarily on Russian authorities, as available information indicates the men were absorbed into Russian military structures. South Africa has also maintained limited contact with Ukrainian authorities as part of broader efforts to assess the situation.

Russia’s embassy in South Africa has not publicly commented on the matter.

Family members of the men have staged protests in recent weeks, including a demonstration outside Durban city hall, calling for their immediate return. Relatives have reported limited contact with the men and raised concerns about alleged coercion, including claims that some were pressured to sign documents in Russian that they did not understand.

One mother told local media that her son last contacted her in late August, expressing fear that he was being deployed to frontline combat areas against his will.

South African authorities say discussions remain ongoing and that all possible diplomatic channels are being explored to bring the men home safely.

This article is based on reporting by The Guardian.