Ex-South African President’s Daughter Under Investigation for Alleged Recruitment of Men for Russian Mercenaries

South African authorities have opened an investigation into allegations that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, played a role in recruiting South African men to join Russian mercenary groups involved in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Police confirmed on Sunday that the claims were formally submitted in an affidavit by one of her sisters, who called for a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

Zuma-Sambudla, a prominent member of the MK Party formed by her father, is accused alongside two others of facilitating the recruitment of at least 17 South African nationals.

According to police, the affidavit alleges that the men were deceived with promises of lucrative job opportunities abroad, only to be handed over to Russian mercenary forces and deployed to the frontline in Ukraine’s war-torn Donbas region without their consent.

“The men were lured to Russia under false pretences and handed to a Russian mercenary group to fight in the Ukrainian war without their knowledge or consent,” police spokespersons said in a statement.

The case has been transferred to a special police unit responsible for investigating crimes against the state.

Authorities will determine whether charges including human trafficking, forced recruitment, or violations of international military laws may apply.

Earlier in November, the South African presidency announced it had received a request to repatriate the 17 men, who were reportedly “trapped” in Donbas after being misled into traveling there.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, mercenaries from various countries including several in Africa have been reported on both sides of the conflict.

South African officials say they are working to secure the safe return of the affected citizens while investigations continue.