South African authorities have launched an investigation into allegations that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, was involved in recruiting South African men to join Russian mercenary forces fighting in Ukraine.

Police confirmed on Sunday that the allegations originated from an affidavit submitted by one of Zuma-Sambudla’s sisters, who called for a formal probe. According to the affidavit, Zuma-Sambudla, an MP in the MK party led by her father, and two other individuals allegedly played roles in recruiting 17 South Africans who later became trapped in Ukraine’s war-ravaged Donbas region.

The police statement says the men were “lured to Russia under false pretences and handed to a Russian mercenary group to fight in the Ukrainian war without their knowledge or consent.”

The case has been transferred to a special police unit responsible for investigating crimes against the state, which will determine possible charges.

Earlier in November, the South African presidency confirmed it had been asked to help repatriate the 17 men, who were allegedly enticed with promises of lucrative employment before being sent to Donbas.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which began with Russia’s 2022 invasion, has drawn foreign mercenaries to both sides, including from several African nations.

Local media reports claim the men were sent to Russia for “security training” through arrangements linked to the opposition MK party, chaired by Jacob Zuma. Zuma served as South Africa’s president between 2009 and 2018.

South African law prohibits citizens from joining foreign armed forces without government authorization, an offence that can carry serious legal consequences.