Zuma Family Feud Erupts Over Alleged Ukrainian Mercenary Scandal

Controversial former president Jacob Zuma's daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla.

By Mpho Dube - Editor in Chief of The Azanian

A shocking affidavit filed by Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma-Mncube at the Sandton police station has sparked a maelstrom of controversy within the Zuma family, with allegations that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla was involved in luring South Africans to fight for Russia in the Ukraine conflict.

According to the affidavit, 17 South African men, including family members, were deceived into traveling to Russia and handed over to a Russian mercenary group to fight in the war without their knowledge or consent. Two other individuals, Siphokazi Xuma and Blessing Khoza, are also implicated in the scheme.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the registration of an enquiry docket, and an investigation is underway. The government has also launched diplomatic efforts to secure the safe return of the trapped men.

"I urge the South African government to expedite all diplomatic efforts to secure the immediate and safe return of our citizens," Zuma-Mncube said in a statement. "These men were lured to Russia under false pretenses and handed to a Russian mercenary group to fight in the Ukraine war without their knowledge or consent."

Zuma-Mncube, the first-born daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, alleged that her sister Duduzile, Xuma, and Khoza may have contravened the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, and the common law crime of fraud.

The allegations have sent shockwaves through the Zuma family, with some calling for immediate action against those responsible. The case has also sparked widespread concern, with Ukraine's former ambassador to South Africa, Olexandr Shcherba, describing the targeting of South Africans as part of a "colonial war".

"It is especially insane to see Africans fighting a colonial war against a free country," Shcherba said. "We hope that the situation with Russia violating South African legislation and dragging or luring these people into this war will be an eye-opener for South African society."

President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an investigation into the recruitment of South Africans as mercenaries, and the matter is being treated as a high priority.

The case highlights the dangers of human trafficking and the need for vigilance when dealing with opportunities that seem too good to be true, especially those involving travel to conflict zones.

The 17 men, aged between 20 and 39, are currently trapped in the Donbas region, the epicenter of the fighting. Their families are anxiously waiting for updates, and diplomatic efforts are underway to secure their safe return.

As the investigation unfolds, questions are being raised about the motivations behind the alleged scheme and the potential consequences for those involved.

"It is a sad day when family members are accused of such heinous crimes," said a family member, who wished to remain anonymous. "We hope that the truth comes out and that justice is served."

The Azanian will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.