South Africa investigates recruitment of women to gather Shaheds in Russia – Bloomberg

South Africa is investigating reports that Russia is recruiting young African women to gather Shaheds, Bloomberg reports.

"The South African government is actively investigating reports of foreign programs that recruit South Africans under false pretenses," the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

In January of this year, the BRICS Student Commission in South Africa advertised vacancies in Alabuz, available to women aged 18 to 22. They were also advertised by Instagram and TikTok influencers from South Africa.

They were promised jobs in construction and the hotel business. However, at least three organizations, including the Institute for Science and International Security, have accused the Alabuga economic zone of fraud, forcing African women to assemble Shahed-136 kamikaze drones.

Now, Russian diplomatic representatives may be summoned to Pretoria to respond to the allegations. However, no public statement has been made on this matter yet.

"The South African government is yet to find any credible evidence that job offers in Russia are inconsistent with their stated purpose. However, the government has noted the alleged recruitment of youth by the Alabuga company," the country's Foreign Ministry added.

Earlier, the Russians showed in detail the Shahed factory in Alabuz. It contains production workshops, a test area, and other facilities. The factory is staffed mostly by students.