24.11.2025
Former South African President Jacob Zuma’s daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is under investigation for allegedly luring men to fight for Russia in its war against Ukraine.
Zuma-Sambudla, a member of Parliament, was exposed by her own sister Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube who filed a criminal complaint against her. It was alleged that Zuma-Sambudla and two others tricked 17 men into fighting for Russian mercenaries. The police say they are investigating the matter.
According to BBC reports the men were told they were travelling to Russia to train as bodyguards for Jacob Zuma’s political party Mkhonto Wesizwe (MK), Zuma-Mncube’s statement says.
South Africa’s government previously said it had received distress calls from 17 citizens who had joined mercenary forces in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The men, aged from 20 to 39, were lured to join the mercenary forces under the pretext of lucrative contracts, the government said.
Zuma-Mncube said she had a “moral obligation” to file a police complaint against her younger sister.
Earlier this week, international financial outlet Bloomberg reported similar allegations against Zuma-Sambudla.
The allegations add to Zuma-Sambudla’s legal woes – she is currently on being tried in court over terrorism-related charges.
Jacob Zuma was jailed for contempt of court for refusing to take part in an inquiry into allegations of corruption during his presidency that led to his sacking.
He subsequently formed the MK party and led it to third place in last year’s elections.