South Africa's government has received distress calls from 17 citizens trapped in Ukraine's Donbas region after joining mercenary forces. President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an investigation into their recruitment, which is illegal without government authorization. The men were reportedly lured by lucrative contracts. The government is working to secure their return and condemns the exploitation of vulnerable youth. Evidence suggests Russian influence is expanding in Africa, with a warning issued against social media recruitment for jobs abroad.