By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that the Hawks are investigating a case opened against Duduzile Zuma Sambudla, for helping lure 17 South African men into the Russia-Ukraine war.
A group of about 17 young men approached by Duduzile Zuma, travelled to Russia in July after being told they would train as bodyguards to work for uMkhonto weSizwe Party, according to the people who include relatives of the men.
Fullview understands the men signed military contracts written entirely in Russian, were sent to the frontlines in Ukraine, and lost contact with their families.
Working as a mercenary or fighting on behalf of another government has been a crime in South Africa since 1998.
In a 6 November statement, president Cyril Ramaphosa’s office said 17 South Africans stuck in the Donbas region of Ukraine contacted the president’s office seeking help.
Zuma has previously been tied to Russian campaigns on social media, where she posted support on the X platform for Russian President Vladimir Putin, showed pictures of herself in Russia and her father with Putin, and denigrated Ramaphosa.
She is currently on trial on charges of treason for inciting violence on social media in 2021, when about 350 people were killed in riots after her father was sent to prison for contempt of court.
Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma Mncube, the eldest daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, approached the Sandton police station, urging authorities to examine the actions of three individuals, including her sister, Duduzile, whom she alleges is responsible for the plight of these men.
National SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that following an initial inquiry, the case has been escalated to the Crimes Against the State (CATS) component, part of the Hawks, for further investigation.
“I can confirm that Zuma-Mncube had presented herself to the Sandton police station, where she urged the state to investigate three individuals whom she accused of luring 17 South African men to Russia under false pretences,” Mathe stated.
“An enquiry docket has been registered, and the Hawks will proceed with their investigation.”
The allegations made by Zuma Mncube are serious, stating that these individuals have potentially violated several laws, including the Preventing and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act and the Regulations of Foreign Military Assistance Act.
She described the emotional toll this situation has taken on families, revealing that several of the trapped men are her own relatives.
Government is working through diplomatic channels to secure the return of these young men, Ramaphosa’s office said, Zuma-Mncube calling on government to expedite diplomatic efforts to secure the safe return of the distressed South Africans.