Botswana youth caught in Russia-Ukraine recruitment

The Ministry of International Relations in Botswana has confirmed reports that two Batswana youth, aged 19 and 20, allegedly fell victim to a deceptive recruitment process that resulted in them fighting on the frontlines of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

According to the Ministry, the young men were led to believe they would participate in a short-term military school training programme in Russia. The Ministry said it is actively engaging through diplomatic channels and in consultation with law enforcement authorities to verify the reports, determine the whereabouts and condition of the two men, and facilitate their repatriation.

Authorities also issued a warning to Batswana youth to avoid life-threatening international recruitment schemes that offer monetary rewards in exchange for combat participation. The Ministry urged young people to remain vigilant and to consult Botswana Diplomatic Missions to verify the authenticity of such offers.

South African authorities have also reported cases of citizens being recruited for participation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Seventeen South Africans are currently trapped in Russia, while others were arrested before traveling to Moscow.

Earlier this month, the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court granted bail to five accused facing charges under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998. The accused include SABC employee Patricia Mantula, 39, Thulani Mazibuko, 24, Siphamandla Ntuli, 23, Chabalala, 23, and Sfiso Mabena, 21. The State did not oppose bail for the five, citing no grounds to justify continued detention.

Ntuli’s bail application fell under Schedule 5 of the Act, requiring his to convince the court that release was in the interests of justice. The court granted bail set at R15 000. Mantula’s bail was set at R30 000, while the other accused were each granted bail of R5 000. Mantula’s travel was restricted to within South Africa. The case has been postponed to 10 February 2026 for further investigation.

The accused were arrested following a tip-off from OR Tambo International Airport Police. Officers intercepted them at the boarding gate as they attempted to travel to Russia via the United Arab Emirates. Mantula is alleged to have facilitated the recruitment and travel of her co-accused. Subsequent investigations led to the apprehension of the remaining individuals.

Phindi Mjonondwane, NPA regional spokesperson for the Gauteng Division in Johannesburg, confirmed that investigations into the matter are ongoing. The uMkhonto we Sizwe political party has been linked to alleged human trafficking in relation to South African citizens recruited for the conflict. Seventeen South Africans reportedly remain trapped in Russia and have sought government assistance to return home.

A human trafficking case was registered at Sandton police station following the reports, and Duduzile Zuma-Sombudla, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, has resigned from her position as a member of parliament for the MK Party in connection with the allegations. Authorities continue to investigate the recruitment and facilitation of citizens traveling to Russia under false pretenses.

The Ministry of International Relations and law enforcement agencies in Botswana and South Africa continue to monitor the situation closely, working to ensure the safe return of affected youth and to prevent further incidents of deceptive recruitment for combat activities.