'Bring our boys back from Russia'

Men allegedly recruited to train in the war-torn region as bodyguards for MKP

- TASCHICA PILLAY

AS THE families of the young South African men who were lured into joining mercenary forces in Ukraine are pleading for help in their repatriation, the Hawks yesterday confirmed the arrest of four people at OR Tambo International Airport on suspicion of contravening the Foreign Military Assistance Act.

Acting on a tip-off, the Hawks' Crimes Against the State (CATS) unit intercepted the suspects who were leaving the boarding gates at the airport, reportedly en route to Russia via the United Arab Emirates.

"Four suspects are expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates' Court tomorrow, following their arrest on Friday, on suspicion of contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, 15 of 1998," the Hawks said in a statement.

While the Hawks have not revealed the names of those arrested, sources have indicated that a senior media personality was among the suspects.

The families of the men, who are stuck in the Ukraine, several of whom are from Nkandla were coerced into leaving the country for paramilitary training, with the promise of returning as bodyguards for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP).

Phumla Zuma, the sister-in-law of former president Jacob Zuma, said she was heartbroken that her sons and grandson were caught up in a conflict that they did not sign up for.

Her children, along with the other young men, were trapped in the Donbas region of Ukraine, after being misled into thinking they were signing up for a year of bodyguard training.

Zuma said she was barely able to eat and sleep, praying for the return of the 17 men who were in the "warzone in Russia".

The grim reality, described by a visibly distressed Zuma, was far from the assurances of lucrative employment and a chance to serve in the MKP.

"They went for a 12-month training course, but ended up on the frontline," she lamented.