The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation on Monday expressed confidence in the South African Police Service’s (Saps’) investigation into how 17 South Africans became stranded in the Donbas area of Ukraine.

About 17 South Africans remain stranded in the Donbas area after allegedly being lured to fight under false pretences to against Ukraine in Russia.

Earlier this month, media reports indicated that the 17 South Africans, mainly from KwaZulu-Natal, were tricked into believing they were to receive “skills training” in Russia but ended up on the war front with Ukraine.

Committee chairperson Supra Mahumapelo said the committee was pleased the Saps will formally investigating the matter.

“We welcome these developments around this matter, and the committee will seek further clarification from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. The Saps has a justifiable reason to officially investigate the matter,” he said.

Mahumapelo said the police investigation should help establish how these South Africans were recruited, processed and platooned in the Russian army.

He said any underground or parallel structure that worked against the government, or the Department of International Relations and Cooperation should be exposed. 

Earlier this month, President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered an investigation into the circumstances that led to the recruitment of these men into mercenary activities.

Ramaphosa's spokesperson Vincent Magwenya added the South African government was working through "diplomatic channels" to secure the return of the recruits.

Ramaphosa and the South African government had strongly condemned the exploitation of young vulnerable people by individuals working with foreign military entities.

Mahumapelo called for patience among South Africans eager for official information from a “correct and responsible channel” regarding this matter.