South African authorities have launched a formal investigation into serious allegations that the daughter of former president Jacob Zuma recruited men under false pretences to fight for Russia in its war against Ukraine.
Police Investigation Underway
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed the probe follows an affidavit submitted by Zuma-Sambudla's sister, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma-Mncube. The document alleges that Ms Zuma-Sambudla, working with two unnamed accomplices, deceived 17 men by promising them security training in Russia.
Instead of receiving training, the affidavit claims the men were handed over to a Russian mercenary group and forced to participate in combat operations without their consent. Disturbingly, eight of the recruited men were reportedly members of the sisters' own family.
Diplomatic Efforts to Repatriate Men
South Africa's foreign minister, Ronald Lamola, addressed the situation during the G20 summit in Johannesburg, revealing that diplomatic efforts are currently underway with both Russia and Ukraine to secure the men's return.
"The police must investigate and whoever is involved in this must be arrested," Lamola stated, while acknowledging the complexity of the situation given that the men are reportedly "in the front lines of this battle."
The South African government confirmed earlier this month that it had received distress calls from the men, aged between 20 and 39, who claimed they were trapped in Ukraine's war-torn eastern Donbas region.
Broader Pattern of Recruitment
This case emerges amid wider accusations against Russia regarding international recruitment practices. Russia has repeatedly been accused of recruiting men from other countries by offering them employment opportunities that turn out to be military service.
Additionally, there are separate allegations that women from South Africa and other African nations have been tricked into working in Russian drone factories through social media campaigns promising jobs in catering and hospitality sectors.
Under South African law, it is illegal for citizens to offer military assistance to foreign governments or participate in foreign armies without official authorisation from the South African government.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla currently serves as a member of parliament for the MK Party, which her father established in 2023 after his expulsion from the ruling African National Congress. She is simultaneously facing unrelated charges connected to the deadly 2021 riots in South Africa, where she stands accused of inciting violence through social media posts.
Neither Ms Zuma-Sambudla nor the MK Party responded to requests for comment regarding the current allegations. Police spokesperson Mathe emphasised that any potential charges "are still to be determined through a thorough investigation."
