Hawks Launch Investigation into Alleged Recruitment Scam
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, has initiated a formal inquiry into the alleged recruitment of 17 South African citizens who are reportedly trapped in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The investigation follows claims that these men were enticed to travel abroad under false pretenses of legitimate employment or training opportunities.
Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo confirmed on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, that two inquiry dockets have been opened. The probe aims to determine if crimes such as human trafficking, illegal recruitment, exploitation, or fraud occurred.
Allegations of Deception and War Zone Deployment
The core of the investigation centers on claims that the 17 men, many of whom are young and from KwaZulu-Natal, were deceived into traveling to Russia. They reportedly believed they were heading for legitimate employment or training programs, such as VIP protection training or security jobs. Instead, they allegedly found themselves handed over to a Russian mercenary group in the war-torn Donbas region of Ukraine.
Family members have expressed anguish, with one relative, Sandile Ndhlovu, stating that his brother was promised training but ended up in a war. The men reportedly went to Russia on July 8, 2025.
High-Profile Family Dispute and Legal Implications
The case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of former President Jacob Zuma's daughters. Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube opened a criminal case at the Sandton Police Station, accusing her half-sister, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla (an MK Party MP), along with Siphokazi Xuma and Blessing Khoza, of facilitating the men's travel under false pretenses. Zuma-Mncube alleges that these individuals contravened South African law by luring the men to Russia to fight in the conflict.
In response, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla also opened a case on November 23, 2025, claiming she was also misled by a recruiter, Blessing Khoza, into believing she was recruiting for non-combat security training.
The recruitment of citizens to fight in foreign armed conflicts without government approval is a violation of South Africa's Foreign Military Assistance Act. The Hawks are collaborating with various government departments and relevant foreign authorities to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach to the investigation.
Government Response and Repatriation Efforts
President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the alleged recruitment as illegal and has ordered investigations and assistance for the safe return of the men. The Presidency was first alerted to the situation of the 17 men, aged between 20 and 39, on November 6, 2025, after receiving distress calls from them. The government has affirmed its commitment to assisting in their repatriation.
5 Comments
Katchuka
Poverty and unemployment are the real recruiters here. Address the root cause!
KittyKat
The involvement of high-profile figures creates a media spectacle, but the focus should remain on protecting vulnerable citizens from exploitation and ensuring justice for the victims.
Noir Black
Why did it take distress calls for the government to notice? Too little, too late.
Kyle Broflovski
They should have known better than to trust vague promises for overseas 'training'.
Stan Marsh
While it's vital the Hawks investigate this alleged human trafficking, we also need to understand what makes young men so vulnerable to such dangerous schemes.