Criminal charges, including human trafficking and violations of South Africa’s anti-mercenary laws, have been officially filed against uMkhonto weSizwe MP Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla.
The Hawks are investigating allegations that she recruited 17 men to fight in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
The claims were brought forward by her sister, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, who submitted an affidavit requesting a formal investigation.
The DA, citing evidence including around 100 WhatsApp messages allegedly coordinated by Duduzile, formally laid charges at the Cape Town Central police station on Thursday.
#NDABANEWS: DA FILES CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST ZUMA-SAMBUDLA OVER ALLEGED UKRAINE/RUSSIA WAR RECRUITMENT
CAPE TOWN – Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Chris Hattingh has taken decisive action against MK Party MP Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla by filing a criminal complaint, accusing her of… pic.twitter.com/0J0GIzJ6Ek
— Thulani Ndaba (@tndaba) November 27, 2025
“These messages show clear coordination in luring at least 22 men to Russia under the guise of ‘personal development’, ‘security training’, and even promises of Russian or Canadian citizenship.”
Messages suggested the men were lured with promises of “personal development,” security training, and potential Russian or Canadian citizenship.
DA MPs expressed concern over the lack of response from DIRCO and the unknown status of the men in Russia.
[LISTEN] DA laying criminal charges against MK MP Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla for allegedly recruiting 17 South African men to fight in Ukraine. DA defence spokesperson Chris Hattingh wants a full police probe & Duduzile prosecuted
🔗https://t.co/cNyQRromI1#sabcnews #FirstTakeSA pic.twitter.com/9BZPPCoJV9
— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) November 27, 2025
Reports indicate that upon arrival, the men’s passports and phones were confiscated, and contact with their families was cut off.
Duduzile is also facing treason charges linked to the July 2021 unrest.
Her sister accuses Duduzile and collaborators of handing the men to a Russian mercenary group under false pretences. The political party has not commented on these allegations.
Meanwhile, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, has confirmed that the State Security Agency (SSA) is actively engaging with the Russian government to explore ways of assisting the 17 South Africans.
WATCH | The families of 17 men trapped in Ukraine’s war-torn Donbas region have made a desperate appeal to the South African government, seeking the safe return of their loved ones. The men were allegedly lured to Russia on the promise of private security training. pic.twitter.com/lL9KbhXX77
— SABC News (@SABCNews) November 24, 2025
Speaking to SANDF officials during the fourth Vukuhlome exercise in Lohatla, Northern Cape on Wednesday, Angie emphasised that the government is fully aware of the matter and is treating it with sensitivity.
“We are very much aware. Our investigations are being led by the State Security Agency. We are engaging with the Russian government on this matter but it is still at a sensitive stage. I don’t wish to continue with the matter but we are engaging to see if we can assist,” SABC News quoted her as saying.
Families of the affected men continue to hope for a swift resolution.
First published by African Insider
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
Also see: Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla: ‘I’m no mercenary recruiter — I was scammed’
