The South African government is investigating payments connected to the alleged trafficking of local men sent to fight in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni confirmed. The probe follows the return of an additional 11 men on Wednesday.
Authorities are examining claims that financial transactions were made to facilitate the men’s deployment to the warfront. Allegations have surfaced that R14 million was paid to recruit the men, with suspicions surrounding the involvement of Duduzile Sambudla-Zuma, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, although it remains unclear who ultimately received the funds.
Ntshavheni said the government is working closely with investigators to determine the recipients of the payments, their purpose, and how the money was used.
In the meantime, the government has extended support to the families affected by the scheme. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola is in KwaZulu-Natal meeting with relatives who requested assistance following reports in November that their loved ones had been trafficked.
President Cyril Ramaphosa previously expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for facilitating the return of the men. This group is the second to come back, with four men having returned earlier. Two remain in Russia—one is hospitalised in Moscow, while arrangements are underway for the other’s return.
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