By Brigadier Thandi Mbambo
HAWKS spokesperson
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) confirms receipt of an enquiry opened at the Sandton Police Station by Ms Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube relating to 17 South African men reportedly trapped in the Ukraine/Russia conflict.
A second enquiry docket was registered on Sunday, 24 November 2025, by Ms Duduzile Zuma.
Both matters are being investigated jointly to determine whether any criminality, including possible human trafficking, illegal recruitment, exploitation, or fraud, may have contributed to the movement of these individuals to the conflict zone.
The exact charges will be confirmed upon completion of the investigation and assessment of all evidence.
The DPCI is working in close collaboration with various government departments and relevant foreign authorities to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach.
This multi-departmental cooperation ensures that the investigation proceeds within the legal mandates of all structures involved, particularly on matters relating to international relations, identity verification, and foreign law-enforcement engagement.
The DPCI remains in contact with the complainants and family members as part of the investigative process, and updates will be provided where appropriate without compromising the integrity of the investigation.
Upon finalisation of the investigation and the gathering of all relevant evidence, the docket will be submitted to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for a decision.
To safeguard the integrity of this investigation, no further details will be disclosed in the public domain at this stage.
The DPCI assures the public that this matter is receiving priority attention, and all necessary steps are being taken to establish the facts and ensure accountability where required.
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