Urgent call from IFP to repatriate South Africans allegedly trafficked to Ukraine
The IFP has called on the South African government to urgently repatriate the South Africans who were allegedly trafficked to Russia to fight in the Ukraine conflict.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has called on the government to act with haste and bring back the South African men trapped in Ukraine.
In a statement, the IFP urged the government to intensify and accelerate diplomatic and logistical efforts to repatriate these individuals. The party spoke on the issue following its executive committee meeting.
It is alleged that South African citizens were trafficked to Russia to fight for that country in their conflict with Ukraine. Five people who were arrested in connection with the matter were released on bail on Monday.
A separate case is being investigated by the Hawks in connection with an allegation that MK Party leader and former president, Jacob Zuma's daughter Duduzile Zuma Sambudla was also involved in the recruitment of South Africans.
“The IFP expresses heartfelt sympathy to the South Africans who were deceived into travelling to Russia under false pretences of receiving security training, only to find themselves trapped in Ukraine.
“We call on the government to intensify and accelerate diplomatic and logistical efforts to repatriate these individuals. Beyond their safe return, affected families must receive psychological and social support to rebuild their lives after this traumatic experience. Accountability processes must continue, and those responsible for exploiting vulnerable citizens must face the full might of the law,” it said.
The party also spoke on the issue of the motion of no confidence called by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) and scheduled for next week in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial legislature.
“The IFP reaffirms its full confidence in the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli, ahead of the baseless motion of no confidence brought by the MKP. This motion represents a reckless attempt to destabilise the province at a time when KZN requires focused governance and continuity.
“Under Premier Ntuli’s leadership, KwaZulu-Natal has made notable strides, including securing R100 billion in investment—signifying investor confidence in the province’s stability and direction.
“If the MKP truly believes it has legitimate concerns, it should submit them to the appropriate oversight bodies rather than resorting to political theatrics. Moreover, the MKP must prioritise pressing issues of its own making—especially the safe return of South Africans misled into travelling to Russia to engage in a conflict they neither understood nor consented to,” it added.