Overview
- Officials say engagements are ongoing with Russian authorities and receiving the highest attention, but there is no operational update or timeline.
- The government says it received distress calls on 6 November from men who report being coerced into signing Russian‑language military contracts and moved toward front‑line positions in eastern Ukraine.
- Relatives from KwaZulu‑Natal and the Eastern Cape have reported ill‑treatment in calls from the men and protested in Durban calling for their safe return.
- Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla is accused in police complaints and lawsuits of facilitating the recruitment, allegations she denies as she claims she was deceived; she has resigned as an MKP MP and the party has distanced itself.
- The Hawks are investigating suspected recruitment networks, and five people arrested at OR Tambo International Airport en route to Russia via the UAE appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court and were granted bail, with more arrests not ruled out.