Daughter of ex-South African president accused of involvement in Russian recruitment plot

One of the daughters of former South African President Jacob Zuma has filed a criminal complaint against her sister, accusing her of recruiting men from South Africa and Botswana to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube accused MP Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and two others of deceiving 17 men into fighting for Russian mercenaries.

The Zuma-Mncube statement said the men were told they would travel to Russia to be trained as bodyguards for Mkhonto Wesizwe (MK), the party led by Jacob Zuma.

Police said they were investigating the matter and Zuma-Sambudra, 43, has not yet responded to the BBC’s request for comment.

south african government It had previously stated that it had received distress calls from 17 citizens who had joined mercenaries. In the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The government said the men, aged between 20 and 39, were lured into joining the mercenaries on the pretext of lucrative contracts.

South Africa’s unemployment rate exceeds 30%. Analysts say unemployment rates are higher among young people, making them particularly vulnerable to hiring.

Zuma-Mcube said she had a “moral obligation” to complain to police about her sister.

Earlier this week, international financial institutions Bloomberg Similar allegations were reported against Zuma-Sambudra.

The charges add to Zuma-Sambudra’s legal woes – She is currently in court on terrorism-related charges.

The MP is being prosecuted over comments he made on social media during deadly protests in South Africa four years ago following his father’s arrest.

In July 2021, a week of anarchy, including looting and arson, occurred in several parts of the country, leaving at least 300 people dead.

Zuma-Samboudra is accused of inciting the unrest, but she says the charges against her are politically motivated.

Jacob Zuma was jailed and eventually fired for contempt of court for refusing to participate in an investigation into corruption allegations during his presidency.

He then formed the MK Party and led it to third place in last year’s election.