South African authorities have launched an investigation into claims that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, played a role in recruiting South African men to fight alongside Russian mercenaries in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Police confirmed on Sunday that the allegations, detailed in an affidavit submitted by one of Zuma-Sambudla’s sisters, have prompted a formal inquiry. The document accuses Zuma-Sambudla—an MP representing her father’s MK party—alongside two others, of facilitating the recruitment of 17 South Africans who later found themselves stranded in Ukraine’s embattled Donbas region.
According to police, the affidavit states that the men were enticed to travel to Russia under the guise of lucrative job offers, only to be transferred to a Russian mercenary outfit and deployed into the battlefield without prior knowledge or consent.
The case has been referred to a specialised police unit that handles crimes against the state, where investigators will assess potential criminal charges.
Earlier this month, the South African presidency confirmed it had been contacted for assistance in repatriating the 17 individuals, who were reportedly “trapped” in Donbas after being misled about the nature of their overseas engagements.
The conflict, sparked by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has seen fighters from various countries—including parts of Africa—join both sides, often through private military channels.
South African media reports suggest the men may have been sent to Russia for security training facilitated by the opposition MK party, led by Zuma, who served as president from 2009 to 2018.
Under South African law, citizens are prohibited from joining foreign armed forces without explicit government approval.
