Cynthia Ezegwu
South African authorities are investigating claims that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma and a Member of Parliament in her father’s MK political party, was involved in recruiting South Africans to join Russian mercenaries in the Ukraine war.
The allegations, reported on Sunday, were made by one of Zuma-Sambudla’s sisters in an affidavit requesting a formal investigation. Police said the claim implicates Zuma-Sambudla and two other individuals in recruiting 17 South Africans, who were reportedly sent to Russia under false pretences and handed over to a Russian mercenary group to fight in Ukraine’s conflict without their consent.
The case has been referred to a special police unit tasked with investigating crimes against the state, which will determine potential charges.
Earlier this month, the South African presidency said it had been asked to assist in rescuing the 17 men, who were allegedly “trapped” in the Donbas region after being lured under the guise of lucrative employment opportunities.
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Reports indicate that the recruits were allegedly sent to Russia for security training by the opposition MK party, which is led by Jacob Zuma. South African law prohibits citizens from joining foreign armies without government authorisation.
The ongoing investigation comes amid growing concerns about foreign mercenary recruitment and the involvement of private political networks in conflicts abroad.