Former South African President Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma-Mncube, has officially opened a criminal case against three individuals regarding the recruitment of 17 South African men allegedly trapped in the Russia-Ukraine war. The South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, confirmed that Zuma-Mncube deposed an affidavit at Sandton Police Station to initiate an investigation into Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla (her sister), Siphokasi Xuma, and Blessing Khosa.
Zuma-Mncube alleges that eight of the 17 men are her relatives and that they were lured to Russia under false pretenses. The men were purportedly handed over to a Russian mercenary group to fight in the Ukrainian conflict without their knowledge or consent. These actions are said to contravene multiple laws, including the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, and common-law fraud.
The SAPS has registered an inquiry docket for the case, which will be thoroughly investigated at a provincial level. President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered a governmental investigation into the circumstances surrounding the recruitment of these young men, who are reportedly aged between 20 and 39 years. Authorities are working through diplomatic channels to ensure their safe return to South Africa.
This case has stirred significant controversy, involving serious allegations of human trafficking and unauthorized military recruitment linked to a conflict zone, raising complex legal and diplomatic challenges for South Africa. It also highlights a rare instance of public legal dispute within the Zuma family on a matter of national and international concern.