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ConflictsSouth Africa

South Africans tricked into fighting Russia's war in Ukraine

Dianne Hawker
December 6, 2025

A scandal over the recruitment of soldiers sent to fight in the Russia-Ukraine conflict is growing in South Africa. At the center of the scandal is one of the daughters of former president Jacob Zuma.

https://p.dw.com/p/54mza

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of ex-South African President Jacob Zuma, has resigned as MP after being accused of recruiting men to fight in Russia's war in Ukraine. Her half-sister alleges eight relatives were sent to Russia, while authorities confirm 17 South Africans joined Russian forces in Donbas. Police are investigating links to the MK Party, led by Jacob Zuma, which denies involvement. Several arrests have been made under foreign military assistance laws.

Dianne Hawker DW Southern Africa correspondent
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