One of Jacob Zuma’s daughters has filed a criminal complaint alleging her sister recruited South African men to fight alongside Russian mercenary forces in the Ukraine war.
Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube says Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, a member of parliament, and two others persuaded 17 men to travel abroad by telling them they were going to Russia to train as bodyguards for the former president’s party, Mkhonto Wesizwe (MK).
South African authorities have already reported receiving distress calls from 17 citizens who sailed into the conflict, many of them aged between 20 and 39.
The government says the recruits were enticed by promises of lucrative contracts.
High unemployment — above 30% nationally and much worse among young people — has been highlighted by analysts as a key factor that makes young men vulnerable to such recruitment schemes.
Police confirmed they are investigating the complaint.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, 43, has not replied to requests for comment.
International news outlets have published similar allegations, including reports that some recruits were drawn from neighboring Botswana.
The accusations come as Duduzile faces separate terrorism-related charges over social media posts linked to the violent unrest in July 2021 following her father’s arrest.
She denies the charges and says they are politically motivated.
Jacob Zuma was jailed for contempt of court after refusing to cooperate with an inquiry into corruption during his presidency.
He later launched MK, which finished third in last year’s elections.
MK and the Jacob Zuma Foundation have been approached for comment.
The case underscores concerns about cross-border recruitment networks and the role of economic desperation in driving young South Africans into armed conflict.
The police probe is ongoing and could lead to further legal action.
