South African authorities have opened an investigation into Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, following allegations that she and two others played a role in sending 17 South African men to fight alongside Russian forces in the conflict in Ukraine. Police confirmed on Sunday that the case is now with the country’s elite crime-fighting unit, the Hawks, for a full probe.
The investigation was triggered by a formal complaint submitted by Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma-Mncube, Zuma-Sambudla’s half-sister. She alleged that the men—aged between 20 and 39—were misled into travelling to Russia under the promise of employment opportunities, only to later find themselves handed over to a mercenary group and compelled to take part in the war.
Earlier this month, the South African presidency announced that it was examining how the group ended up joining foreign military operations after several of the men sent urgent appeals for help to return home. South Africa prohibits its citizens from serving as mercenaries under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, making the circumstances of the men’s deployment a matter of serious legal concern.
Police Outline Basis for Investigation
In their statement, police said Zuma-Mncube claimed the men were recruited under false pretences and had no knowledge that they would be participating in an active combat zone. Authorities have now opened an inquiry docket, which the Hawks will investigate to determine whether any South African laws were violated, including statutes related to human trafficking, fraud, or unauthorized military engagement.
A lawyer for Zuma-Sambudla did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Zuma-Sambudla is currently a senior member of the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party, which her father leads. She is also facing unrelated criminal charges linked to the violent unrest that swept parts of South Africa in 2021 following Jacob Zuma’s imprisonment.
Broader Concerns About Recruitment of Foreign Fighters
The alleged recruitment scheme has intensified national debate over the involvement of South African citizens in foreign conflicts. Government officials have previously warned citizens against joining international mercenary groups, stressing that doing so could result in prosecution and place individuals at significant personal risk.
International analysts say Russia’s use of foreign fighters has increased since the escalation of the Ukraine war, raising concerns about vulnerable individuals being targeted with misleading promises of work or high pay.
As the Hawks begin their investigation, authorities say they are working with diplomatic channels to support the safe return of the 17 men and to determine whether others may have been similarly recruited.
Source:Africa Publicity
