A criminal complaint has been lodged by Nkosazana Zuma‑Mncube, one of former president Jacob Zuma’s daughters, alleging that her sister recruited South African men to fight in the Russia‑Ukraine war.
The complaint names MP Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla and two others, accusing them of deceiving 17 men into traveling to Russia.
According to the allegation, the recruits were told they would train as bodyguards for Jacob Zuma’s political movement, Mkhonto Wesizwe (MK).
South African police say the matter is under investigation.
Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla, 43, has not responded to requests for comment from the BBC.
The government previously reported receiving distress calls from 17 citizens who had become involved with mercenary forces in the conflict.
Officials say the men, aged between 20 and 39, were enticed with promises of high‑paying contracts.
Analysts point to South Africa’s deep job crisis — the national unemployment rate tops 30%, with youth unemployment even higher — as a factor that makes young men vulnerable to such recruitment offers.
Bloomberg has published similar allegations, adding that some recruits were sourced from neighbouring Botswana.
The new complaint follows those reports and amplifies scrutiny of the MP.
Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla is already facing a separate prosecution over comments she made on social media during violent unrest in 2021, a week of looting and arson that left hundreds dead.
She denies the charges and says they are politically motivated.
Jacob Zuma was jailed for contempt of court after refusing to cooperate with an inquiry into corruption allegations from his time in office.
He later launched the MK party, which finished third in the most recent national election.
The BBC has contacted MK and the Jacob Zuma Foundation for comment.
In filing the complaint, Nkosazana Zuma‑Mncube said she felt a moral duty to act, underscoring how the case has split members of one of South Africa’s most prominent political families.
