Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, a Member of Parliament and daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, has officially declared under oath that she was not the mastermind behind a programme that led more than a dozen South Africans towards a conflict zone in Russia, insisting she was instead the primary victim of an elaborate deception.

Her version of events, detailed in a sworn affidavit submitted to the South African Police Service (SAPS) at the Sandton Police Station on Monday afternoon, strongly contrasts with allegations made by her sister, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube. Zuma-Sambudla states she was “blindsided, manipulated and a victim of deception, misrepresentation and manipulation”.

The controversy centers on the recruitment of 17 South African men, aged 20 to 39, mostly from KwaZulu-Natal, who are now reportedly trapped in the war-torn Donbas region of Ukraine after believing they were lured abroad by promises of lucrative contracts or VIP protection training. Eight of the 17 men are reported to be Zuma-Mncube’s own family members.

The Alleged Deception

At the heart of Zuma-Sambudla’s account is a man identified as Blessing Rhulani Khoza. She claims she had no prior knowledge of or relationship with Khoza before he contacted her unexpectedly via WhatsApp.

According to her affidavit, Khoza presented himself as a South African residing in Russia with access to a structured, lawful, non-combat paramilitary training programme designed for civilians, assuring her repeatedly that the programme was legitimate and safe.

Believing these representations, Zuma-Sambudla travelled to Russia at her own expense and completed approximately one month of training. She describes this experience as involving only “surface level” non-combat, controlled activities, and insists she was never exposed to combat or deployment. Because her training appeared harmless, she believed the programme was legitimate.

When she was later informed that the programme could accommodate more participants, she shared this information with relatives and close family friends. She maintains she shared the information “innocently” and never recruited or lured anyone, adding that her own family members travelled, which she offers as proof that she had no knowledge of any danger.

Twenty-two South Africans initially travelled to Russia, with three failing medical requirements and returning home, leaving nineteen who remained. Zuma-Sambudla says she experienced profound shock and distress when she discovered the participants had allegedly been taken toward a conflict zone, stating: “It was at this point that I realised that both I and the others had been scammed”.

In response, she flew back to Russia for two weeks, incurring personal cost, to file appeals to Russian officials and seek assistance from the South African embassy out of concern for the safety of the affected citizens. She concludes her affidavit by stating clearly: “I was not a recruiter, agent, operator, or facilitator of any unlawful activity”.

Legal and Government Response

The allegations were initially brought forth publicly by Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, who accused her sister, Zuma-Sambudla, alongside Siphokazi Xuma and Blessing Khoza, of tricking the men into fighting for Russian mercenaries. Zuma-Mncube lodged charges including contraventions of the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, and the common law crime of fraud.

South African law prohibits citizens from enlisting in a foreign army or providing military assistance without official state authorisation. Acts relating to the prohibition of mercenary activity and the regulation of certain military-related activities in countries of armed conflict carry severe penalties, including potential life imprisonment for trafficking.

The South African government confirmed receiving distress calls from the 17 citizens who reported being misled into mercenary activity in the Russia–Ukraine conflict. President Cyril Ramaphosa has since ordered a formal investigation.

Police national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that an enquiry docket has been registered with the SAPS and that the matter is now being investigated by the HAWKS. Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo stated that the investigation will include engaging with witnesses and sources, and once all evidence is collected, the matter will be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a decision. Zuma-Sambudla has offered her full cooperation, handing over communications, documents, and devices for forensic analysis.

Meanwhile, a family member of one of the men, Sandile Ndhlovu, has criticised the government for failing to repatriate the trapped citizens. Minister Ronald Lamola acknowledged the South Africans were “misguided” and assured that his department is working to help them return home safely.

This is a developing story as investigators attempt to transform what appeared to be calculated recruitment into a complex case of potential manipulation and fraud