Inquiries into SA men in Ukraine War

THE Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) confirmed receipt of an enquiry opened at the Sandton Police Station by Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube relating to the 17 South African men reportedly trapped in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

- SINENHLANHLA MASILELA

The unit also confirmed second enquiry docket against MK Party MP, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla registered on Sunday, November 23, 2025.

This comes after the daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, Zuma-Mncube, opened a criminal case 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.

Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo said the matter will be taken up with the Director for Public Prosecutions as the investigation kicks off, after the SAPS indicated that an inquiry docket has been registered - charges are yet to be determined.

"Both matters are being investigated jointly to determine whether any criminality, including possible human trafficking, illegal recruitment, exploitation, or fraud, may have contributed to the movement of these individuals to the conflict zone.