Ukraine war: allegations of mercenary recruitment targeting the daughter of South Africa’s former president

Police are investigating the daughter of South Africa’s former president for her alleged involvement in sending citizens to fight alongside Russia.

South African police said on Sunday that they would investigate Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, along with two other individuals, for their alleged role in “recruiting 17 men to fight for Russia in Ukraine.”

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The investigation follows a formal request submitted by Nkosazana Bongani Zuma-Mnqobi, Zuma-Sambudla’s half-sister, asking the authorities to look into the matter.

Earlier this month, the South African presidency stated that it would investigate how the men, aged between 20 and 39, had joined mercenary forces after sending distress calls seeking assistance to return home.

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According to a police statement, “Ms. Mnqobi says the men were lured to Russia under false pretenses and handed over to a Russian mercenary group to fight in the war in Ukraine without their knowledge or consent.”

The police added that the investigation file had been handed over to the specialized unit (the Hawks) for further inquiries.

A legal representative for Zuma-Sambudla has not yet responded to a request for comment.

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