Remains of man lured to fight in Russia-Ukraine war repatriated
44-year-old Sihle Makhaye was allegedly recruited in July 2025 with a promise of employment.
Black News 
The remains of a KwaZulu-Natal man who died in Russia after being allegedly recruited to fight in the country’s war with Ukraine, have finally been returned to his family.
Forty-four-year-old Sihle Makhaye was allegedly recruited in July 2025 with a promise of employment.
He died on the 28th of March after suspected complications with his illness.
His family sought assistance from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlement and Transport in early April.
MEC Siboniso Duma says his remains arrived in South Africa on Saturday after a 69-day repatriation process.
He thanked President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation – Ronald Lamola – for their role in the process.
“We have worked well with the family. I’m sure as you know from March until now; it has taken too long because of the logistics, because of the issue of administration. But they have been understanding and the situation has been dire, but we worked closer with them. We want to thank everyone who participated in the journey,” says Duma.
Remains of man allegedly lured to fight in Russia-Ukraine war repatriated
WATCH | The mortal remains of Sihle Makhaye have been returned to KwaZulu‑Natal from Russia, with MEC Siboniso Duma facilitating the process. His family says he was lured into a recruitment scam linked to the Russia‑Ukraine war. pic.twitter.com/SSmv397dFg
— SABC News (@SABCNews) June 15, 2026
