South African nationals who were lured into Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine are speaking out about the harsh conditions and unequal treatment they faced. These individuals, mostly between 20-39 years old, were promised lucrative jobs but ended up fighting on the front lines, facing racial abuse and danger.

One recruit, Mandla Zulu, 44, shared his harrowing experience: “They treated Africans worse… We were racially abused, beaten, and sent into the most dangerous areas”.

The South African government has launched an investigation into the recruitment of its citizens, with President Cyril Ramaphosa ordering a probe into the circumstances surrounding their involvement. The government maintains a non-aligned stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict while working to repatriate its citizens.

Source: Al Jazeera news