South Africa’s Hawks have launched an urgent national security investigation into allegations that MK Party MP Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is connected to mercenary recruitment involving 17 South African men who were taken to Ukraine’s conflict-heavy Donbas region under misleading employment promises. The claims were brought forward by her sister, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, sparking a political uproar, widespread public concern, and panic among families who say their loved ones are trapped in a war zone.
Zuma-Mncube’s allegations surfaced earlier this week, claiming several South African men were recruited with offers of overseas jobs — allegedly in private security or operational support. The men reportedly agreed, believing these were legitimate opportunities abroad.
Instead, once they reached Eastern Europe, they were allegedly moved to Donbas, an area still impacted by active fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces.
According to families, the men quickly realised they had been deceived:
Disturbing voice notes and text messages have circulated widely, with several of the men describing themselves as “stuck” and “in danger.”
South Africa’s anti-mercenary legislation — specifically the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act — strictly forbids citizens from participating in foreign conflicts or being recruited into military activities abroad.
If proven, the allegations could involve:
Experts warn that citizens caught in foreign military zones without authorization face severe risks, including possible detention or prosecution under foreign law.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Thandi Mbambo confirmed that investigators have already started gathering evidence.
“We are assessing allegations related to the movement of South African nationals into a conflict zone. All communication, travel records, and statements from families are being analysed.”
She emphasized that the Hawks are treating the matter as a national security priority.
Zuma-Mncube said she felt compelled to speak publicly because of the seriousness of the situation.
“These young men believed they were leaving the country for work. They were not told they were being taken into a war zone. Their families are desperate.”
She maintains that the voice notes received by families confirm the men were placed in dangerous conditions.
Zuma-Sambudla has not issued a full public statement but has rejected all claims made against her. Her associates say the accusations are politically motivated and lack evidence.
The voice notes circulating on X, WhatsApp, and TikTok have intensified public concern. In one widely shared clip, a man speaks hurriedly:
“We didn’t come here for this. There’s fighting everywhere. They took our documents — we can’t go back.”
Another recording mentions that the group is being watched constantly and has limited access to assistance.
Although official verification is still underway, the emotional tone of the recordings has added pressure on authorities to act quickly.
The allegations sparked a massive reaction online, with thousands expressing shock over the situation.
Many users expressed outrage that South Africans may have been tricked into entering a war zone. Others raised concerns about the possibility of a wider recruitment network targeting job-seeking youth.
Hashtags such as #MercenaryRecruitment, #BringThemHome, and #Donbas17 trended across South Africa.
The Hawks are now working to piece together the recruitment trail and verify the men’s exact locations in Ukraine. The investigation includes:
DIRCO has confirmed it is attempting to verify the men’s location, though accessing Donbas remains extremely difficult due to the conflict.
A DIRCO official, speaking anonymously, noted:
“We are dealing with an unstable region. Communication is limited, but we are treating this matter as urgent.”
Families continue to appeal for help, worried that the men could be injured, coerced into combat, or lose all contact.
Security expert Dr. Kabelo Mashaba said:
“If the allegations are accurate, this is one of the most serious violations of South African anti-mercenary law in recent years.”
Human trafficking specialist Naledi Dlamini added:
“False job recruitment is a common tactic used by trafficking networks. Moving individuals into conflict zones is exceptionally dangerous.”
Experts say South Africa may need to coordinate with humanitarian agencies to secure the men’s safe return.
