In a significant development concerning the 17 South African nationals reportedly trapped in the Ukraine-Russia war, a criminal case has been officially registered with the South African Police Service (SAPS). The case was opened by Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma-Mncube, the daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, against her sister, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, and two other individuals, Siphokazi Xuma and Blessing Khoza.
The allegations, detailed in a statement deposed by Zuma-Mncube at the Santon police station, are severe. She accuses the trio of contravening the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, and the Common Law Act of Fraud.
According to the complainant, the 17 South African men were “lured to Russia under false pretences.” It is alleged they were subsequently handed over to a Russian mercenary group and forced to fight in the Ukraine war “without their knowledge or consent.”
Confirming the news, SAPS Brigadier Athlenda Mathe provided details on the case’s progression. “I can confirm that an inquiry docket has been registered at the Santon police station,” stated Brigadier Mathe. He elaborated that the matter has been escalated to a provincial level and will be handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, for a full investigation.
“The Hawks will be taking over the docket to investigate all the allegations that are being made,” said Brigadier Mathe. “For now, we have not yet determined the charges because we are still investigating these allegations.”
The case adds a dramatic, public-facing legal dimension to a story that has gripped the nation and raised serious diplomatic concerns. The South African government has previously acknowledged the precarious situation of its citizens and has called for their repatriation. The Ukrainian embassy has also confirmed it is looking into the matter.
Brigadier Mathe also revealed a deeply personal connection within the case, noting that Zuma-Mncube is not only a complainant but also a relative of some of the affected men. “She alleges that out of the 17, eight are actually her family members,” he said.
The investigation by the Hawks is now set to proceed as international efforts continue to secure the return of the 17 South Africans from the war zone.