The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has confirmed that it is investigating two enquiries opened by former President Jacob Zuma’s daughters relating to 17 South African men reportedly stranded in the Russia–Ukraine conflict zone.
The first enquiry was opened at the Sandton Police Station by Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, while a second was filed on Sunday, 24 November, by Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla. The Hawks say the matters are now being investigated jointly to determine whether any criminal activity, including human trafficking, illegal foreign military recruitment, exploitation, or fraud, may have contributed to the men’s movement to the war zone.
The 17 men, most of them from KwaZulu-Natal, had travelled to Russia after reportedly being lured by promises of lucrative employment, only to find themselves drawn into the conflict. Their families have since raised the alarm, appealing for urgent government intervention.
The Hawks said they are working with several government departments, including International Relations and Home Affairs, as well as foreign law-enforcement partners, to establish the full circumstances surrounding the men’s departure and current whereabouts.
“This multi-departmental cooperation ensures that the investigation proceeds within the legal mandates of all structures involved, particularly on matters relating to international relations, identity verification and foreign law-enforcement engagement,” the DPCI said.
The DPCI also confirmed ongoing communication with complainants and family members, but warned that no further details can be released publicly to avoid jeopardising the investigation.
Once the inquiry is concluded and all evidence assessed, the docket will be sent to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for a decision.
The case has drawn significant political attention in South Africa, not only because of the humanitarian concern for the stranded men, but also because it involves members of the Zuma family, whose political influence has long been a point of public interest, including past controversies relating to the Gupta family’s alleged efforts to recruit South Africans for roles abroad under questionable circumstances.
While unrelated, the current case has revived public debate about vulnerable South Africans being drawn into risky foreign opportunities. South Africa has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world.
The Hawks emphasised that the matter is receiving priority attention and that “all necessary steps are being taken to establish the facts and ensure accountability where required.”
