Hawks probing case against Duduzile Zuma Sambudla after sister alleges South Africans ‘lured’ to fight in Ukraine
A case has been opened against former president Jacob Zuma's daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla by her sister Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma Mncube over an allegation that she was involved in the recruitment of 17 South African men who are now trapped in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
The South African Police Service has confirmed that the Hawks are investigating a case opened against Duduzile Zuma Sambudla, over allegations that 17 South Africans were tricked into fighting in Ukraine on behalf of Russia.
The case was opened by former president Jacob Zuma’s eldest daughter, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma Mncube, against her sister, Zuma Sambudla.
The 17 South Africans, mostly from KwaZulu-Natal, are said to be trapped in that conflict and are desperate to return home.
It was reported that the matter is now being probed by the Hawks, and the docket has been handed over to the Crimes Against the State (CATS) component for further investigation.
National SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe told the media that, “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. She made allegations that these men are trapped in Ukraine.
“I confirm that an enquiry docket has been registered, the matter has escalated to a provincial level, and I am now told by General Masemola that the matter will be handed over to the Hawks for further investigation. The Hawks will investigate the allegations. For now, we have determined the charges we are still investigating. As soon as we complete the preliminary investigation, we will know what charges we are investigating against these individuals," she said.
The Mercury reached out to Zuma-Mncube, but she declined to comment and directed questions to her sister, Thuthu Zuma.
Zuma-Mncube said in her statement that some of those trapped in Ukraine are family members.
Thuthu confirmed that Zuma-Mncube is Zuma’s eldest daughter. When asked how Zuma Sambudla, who is an MK Party member of Parliament, was linked to the luring of South Africans to fight in Ukraine, she directed The Mercury to the statement issued by Zuma-Mncube.
Speaking on the well-being of those trapped in Ukraine, Thuthu said, “They are desperate to come home and scared for their lives. Their families are in contact with them.”
In her media statement, Zuma-Mncube said, “I, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma Mncube, a South African citizen and the first daughter of the former president Jacob Zuma, wish to address the matter of the 17 South Africans who are trapped in the midst of the Russia-Ukraine War. The men, who are requesting the South African government for assistance, eight are my family members.
“Driven by my moral obligation, I have opened a criminal case at the Sandton police station on November 22 at approximately 18:30 against these individuals for their roles: Duduzile Zuma Sambudla, Ms Siphokazi Xuma, and Mr Blessing Khoza.
“Having considered all the information available to me and the facts at my disposal, I believe these three individuals have contravened the following laws: the Preventing and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, the Regulations of Foreign Military Assistance Act, and the common law act of fraud.
“I urge the South African government to expedite all diplomatic efforts to secure the immediate and safe return of our citizens. Furthermore, I call on all South Africans to be vigilant and not fall prey to individuals offering seemingly too good to be true opportunities abroad, especially those that involve travel in conflict zones,” she said.
The Mercury reached out to MK Party national spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndlhela but he had not responded by the time of publication.