Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is under investigation after allegations that she helped recruit South African men to travel to Russia under false pretences during the Ukraine conflict. Complaints filed with authorities claim the men were promised training but ended up in or near active war zones.

The Hawks are probing messages and affidavits suggesting she coordinated travel arrangements for several recruits. Zuma-Sambudla has previously denied wrongdoing, insisting she was misled about the nature of the programme.