South Africa’s (SA) opposition party uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has described the removal of a group of SA men to Russia as both distressing and regrettable, amid growing concern over their safety.
MKP Head of the Presidency, Magasela Mzobe, says there had been expectations that the men would have returned home by now.
He confirmed that ongoing communication is being maintained with the affected families, Russian officials and other relevant authorities, while the SA government continues to engage diplomatic channels in an effort to secure access to the men.
Mzobe has further warned that emerging indications suggest the men may no longer be in Russia and could have been transferred closer to a conflict zone in Ukraine, raising fears over their possible involvement in hostilities.
He also suggested that Duduzile Zuma may have been misled into believing that the men were travelling to Russia to take part in what was presented as a legitimate programme, rather than a potentially dangerous operation.
–SABC–
