Archive · 24 Nov 2025
Zuma's Daughter Faces Legal Action Over Recruitment for Russia-Ukraine War
Duduzile Zuma, the daughter of a former South African president, is in trouble for allegedly tricking young men into going to Russia.
They thought they were going to train as bodyguards, but instead, they were sent to fight in the war in Ukraine.
Now, another of Zuma's daughters has reported this to the police.
The South African government is also looking into how these men were recruited.
Duduzile Zuma has been supportive of Russia on social media and is already on trial for other charges related to inciting violence.
Duduzile Zuma is accused of recruiting about 20 South African men to fight in Ukraine under false pretenses.
The men were told they would train as bodyguards but were sent to the frontlines in Ukraine and lost contact with their families.
Nkosazana Zuma-Ncube, another of Zuma’s daughters, opened a criminal case against Duduzile Zuma for luring the men to Russia under false pretenses.
President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered a probe into how South African citizens were recruited to fight as mercenaries in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Duduzile Zuma has previously shown support for Russia on social media and is currently on trial for inciting violence in 2021.
- Who
- Duduzile Zuma, a South African lawmaker and daughter of former President Jacob Zuma
- What
- Recruiting South African men to fight in Ukraine under false pretenses
- When
- The men traveled to Russia in July and lost contact in August; legal action is ongoing
- Where
- South Africa and Ukraine (Donbas region)
- Why
- To allegedly send them to fight in Russia's war against Ukraine without their knowledge or consent
- Individual Involved
- Duduzile Zuma (daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma)
- Allegation
- Recruiting South African men under false pretenses to fight in Ukraine
- Number of Recruits
- About 20 young men
- Time of Travel to Russia
- July
- Current Status of Recruits
- Lost contact with families in August
- Legal Action Initiated By
- Nkosazana Zuma-Ncube (another of Zuma’s daughters)
- Investigation Ordered By
- President Cyril Ramaphosa
- Number of South Africans Stuck in Ukraine
- 17