- South Africa's foreign minister, Ronald Lamola, confirmed that at least two South African citizens have died fighting for Russia in Ukraine.
- These individuals were reportedly tricked into travelling to Russia through a recruitment scheme, marking the first official confirmation of such deaths by South African authorities.
- The announcement came as 11 other South Africans returned home, having allegedly been lured to Russia with false promises of security training before becoming involved in the conflict.
- Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, is under police investigation for her alleged role in recruiting these men, though she denies any wrongdoing.
- Ukraine estimates that more than 1,700 Africans have been recruited to fight for Russia in the ongoing conflict.
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