South Africa Investigates Former President's Daughter for Alleged Illegal Recruitment of Soldiers for Russian War

Nov 25, 2025 09:36 am CST

South African authorities are investigating allegations that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, deceived 17 men into fighting for Russia in Ukraine. According to police, Zuma-Sambudla allegedly lured the men with false promises of security training, only for them to be forced into combat roles with Russian mercenary groups. This investigation comes as South African diplomats work to repatriate these citizens from the frontlines of the conflict.