File image: The South African men allegedly lured to fight alongside Russian soldiers in the war against Ukraine and who were repatriated last month are set to receive counselling.
Image: AFP
The Department of Social Development (DSD) has officially rolled out a specialised psychosocial intervention programme for the South African men recently repatriated from the conflict in Russia and Ukraine.
This follows reports from families in KwaZulu-Natal that a critical phase of healing and “rebuilding” has finally started for the men who were allegedly lured abroad under false pretences.
The men, part of a group of 17 South Africans who reportedly believed they were recruited for lucrative security and VIP protection contracts in mid-2025, returned to South African soil late last month. Their arrival followed a high-stakes diplomatic intervention by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola and President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Speaking on condition of anonymity to protect the safety of their son, one parent confirmed that formal state intervention has reached their home this week. “He is trying his level best to rebuild. The government has provided the therapy, which has resumed this week,” the parent said.
The parent expressed a measured confidence in the ongoing criminal probe being led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks), despite the complexities of the case. “I believe the Hawks are moving according to the investigation that required their undivided attention. As much as we want justice to prevail, we also understand the complexities of the matter,” the parent noted.
In a formal response regarding the state’s intervention, the DSD Deputy Director General for Social Services, PM Mhlongo, confirmed that the department has initiated psychosocial support interventions in line with its mandate to provide care and protection to vulnerable persons.
“DSD has formally requested that social workers are assigned to contact affected families without delay to conduct initial assessments and render psychosocial support where necessary,” Mhlongo said.
She further emphasised that “all interventions are conducted with the utmost confidentiality, sensitivity, and adherence to professional social work standards, given the complex and traumatic nature of these cases.”
Regarding the scale of the intervention, Mhlongo confirmed that of the 17 repatriated individuals identified for possible support, nine have been successfully referred and are currently enrolled in the programme. One individual remains hospitalised in Russia and “will be engaged upon return,” while another from the Eastern Cape has had their details forwarded to provincial authorities.
However, the department noted that five individuals from the same family have declined services at this stage due to “trust concerns,” though they have indicated a willingness to approach the department in the future.
Mhlongo stressed that the programme is not limited to the returnees. "Importantly, DSD’s approach is family-centred. Psychosocial support services are not limited to the returnees alone but are also being extended to immediate family members, recognising the secondary trauma and emotional strain experienced within the household," she said.
The “rebuilding” programme is described as a phased, therapeutic support process that is not bound by a fixed time period. “The duration of the programme is not fixed, as it is dependent on individual recovery progress and assessed needs. However, DSD remains committed to providing sustained support for as long as required to promote long-term mental wellbeing and successful reintegration into communities,” Mhlongo added.
While the therapy sessions continue, the families say they are prepared to wait for the Hawks to finalise their probe into potential violations of the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.
“So far, we are still waiting patiently for the investigation to be complete, and from there we will be able to raise our voice,” the parent said, adding that their ultimate hope is for “the truth to come out and justice to be served.”
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