Parliament, Monday, 24 November 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, has noted the developments around 17 South Africans stranded in the Donbas area of Ukraine.
Mr Mahumapelo said the committee is pleased that the South African Police Services (SAPS) will formally investigate the matter. “We welcome these developments around this matter, and the committee will seek further clarification from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. The SAPS has a justifiable reason to officially investigate the matter.”
He added: “We call for patience among South Africans for official information regarding this matter from a correct and responsible channel. That is all we can say as the committee at the moment.”
About 17 South Africans remain stranded in the Donbas area after being allegedly lured to fight against Ukraine in Russia. Weekend reports indicate that the 17 South Africans, mainly from KwaZulu-Natal, were tricked into believing they were going for “skills training” in Russia but ended up on the war front with Ukraine.
Mr Mahumapelo reminded all that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, on behalf of the government and the President, is responsible for South Africa’s foreign policy, which is non-aligned in outlook and oriented towards negotiated conflict-resolution.
He said the police investigation should help establish how these South Africans were recruited, processed and platooned in the Russian army. He said any underground or parallel structure that works against the government or the Department of International Relations and Cooperation should be exposed.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION, MR SUPRA MAHUMAPELO.
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