KZN govt lauds Ramaphosa following safe return of South Africans lured into Russia-Ukraine war

The KwaZulu-Natal government has lauded President Cyril Ramaphosa for the safe return of the 17 South African men lured into fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war.  

Fifteen of the men have been reunited with their families, while two others are still abroad in the custody of the South African consulate and set to return home soon. 

The International Relations and Cooperation Department said it is probing how the group ended up on the frontline in the first place.  

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During his State of the Province Address on Friday, premier Thami Ntuli acknowledged the return.  

"The reports about our sons who were taken to Russia to join wars between countries devastated not only their parents but the entire nation. I wish to thank His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa for intervention, which resulted in our sons being brought back home."