Pressure is mounting on authorities to investigate South Africans (SA) suspected of becoming involved in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict.

The SA Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that the Hawks, the Directorate for Priority Crimes, are looking into allegations that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, may have played a part in recruiting young men from SA to fight abroad.

Willem Els, Senior Training Co-ordinator at the Institute for Security Studies, warned about SA’s engagement with Russia:

“Any offer from Russia should be approached with caution and realistic planning. External military assistance may provide short-term tactical gains, but it does not address the underlying causes of insecurity. In other African countries, partnerships with Russia, especially involving private military contractors, have often prioritised regime survival over the safety and security of citizens, and can reinforce authoritarian practices.”

–ChannelAfrica–