SAPS probe into Russian recruitment saga should "expose" any underground or parallel structure

INTERNATIONAL Relations and Cooperation Portfolio Committee chairperson Supra Mahumapelo has weighed in on the saga involving 17 South Africans stranded in the Donbas area of Ukraine, saying the police investigation should help establish how the group was recruited, processed and platooned in the Russian army.

His remarks come as SAPS confirmed that the Hawks were investigating a case against MK Party MP, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla over her alleged involvement in the recruitment of 17 young men -most of them from KwaZulu-Natal - who are currently trapped in the Ukraine-Russia war.

The allegations against Zuma-Sambudla were made by one of her sisters in an affidavit asking for a formal investigation, police said.

The police on Sunday confirmed reports that another daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, lodged a criminal complaint against her sister, Zuma-Sambudla, as well as Siphokazi Xuma and Blessing Khoza, in relation to this alleged recruitment.

Zuma-Mncube has accused all three of contravening the law; she claims that the men were lured to Russia under false pretences and were handed to a Russian mercenary group to fight in the Ukraine-Russia war.  

Mahumapelo said any underground or parallel structure that works against the government or the Department of International Relations and Cooperation should be exposed.  

“We call for patience among South Africans for official information regarding this matter from a correct and responsible channel. That is all we can say as the committee at the moment.”

Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo said  their  investigation will include engaging with witnesses, sources, and other relevant processes necessary to gather evidence. 

“Once all evidence has been collected and the investigative steps are concluded, the matter will be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a decision," she said.

Sandile Ndhlovu, the brother of one of the men, told SABC News that the recruits joined under false pretences as they had been promised VIP protection training, but instead, they found themselves in a raging war.

“We’ve been trying to get hold of senior officials in government, and we actually wanted to get hold of the president. We want the government to assist us with this issue, but so far, we haven’t gotten any help.”  

Attempts to get comment from the MKP Party spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela were not successful at the time of going to print.

Cape Times