Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has resigned from Parliament. The daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma faces serious allegations. She is accused of misleading 17 South African men into fighting as mercenaries for Russia in Ukraine.
Zuma-Sambudla was a prominent figure in the opposition uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party. She officially stepped down this week.
In a sworn affidavit, she maintained her innocence. She asserted that she believed the men were traveling for lawful security training. The MK party confirmed her resignation. They stated she wants to focus on securing the safe return of those trapped in the Donbas region.
Allegations of Deception
Families of the men involved have described a nightmare. According to relatives, the recruits left South Africa in July. They believed they would receive bodyguard training for the MK party. This offer was attractive to many unemployed youths.
However, the reality was different. Upon arrival in Russia, the men were reportedly presented with contracts in Russian. They did not understand the language. Trusting the facilitators, the group signed the documents.
By early August, they were transported to Ukraine. Many ended up on the front lines of the war.
Distress calls describe a grim picture. The men claim they are treated like “slaves” and threatened with violence. One relative compared the situation to a horror movie. He noted that the men are often just kilometers away from active combat.
Family Rift and Investigation
The scandal has divided the Zuma family. Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, the former MP’s half-sister, sparked the investigation. She filed a formal complaint with the police.
She accused Duduzile of luring the men under false pretenses. Eight of the victims are reportedly her own family members.
South Africa’s elite police unit, the Hawks, is investigating. They are determining if crimes like human trafficking or fraud occurred.
“I Am A Victim Too”
In her affidavit, Zuma-Sambudla denied being a recruiter. She claimed a third party arranged the training.
When asked to find candidates, she “shared the information innocently.” She expressed profound shock that the men were deployed for war. Furthermore, she characterized herself as a victim of deception. She insisted she would never knowingly harm her family.
Diplomatic Standoff
The South African government has acknowledged the distress calls. Officials promised to use diplomatic channels to facilitate their return. However, progress has been slow.
Reports indicate that three men were returned to Russia for medical reasons. One of those remaining in Ukraine has reportedly been wounded by shrapnel.
As the political fallout continues, families wait anxiously. They hope for the safe return of men who simply wanted a job but found themselves in a war zone.
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