Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, has resigned as a Member of Parliament following allegations of tricking 17 men into fighting for Russia as mercenaries in Ukraine.
She has insisted in an affidavit that her intentions were not malicious and that she thought the men were going to Russia for lawful training. In light of the allegations, her party, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), stated her resignation was her decision as she wishes to focus on ensuring the safe return of those trapped in the conflict.
The brother of one of the men, who is in a perilous situation, expressed a desire for accountability and safe return, deeming Zuma-Sambudla's resignation insufficient in addressing their plight.
According to reports from those trapped in Ukraine, the men originally believed they were being trained for a bodyguard role, not combat. Communication reveals disturbing details of their experience, with one individual sharing harrowing updates about drone attacks and threats faced in the war zone.
Zuma-Sambudla has declined the assertion that she knowingly misled anyone, claiming she was also a victim of manipulation in the process. Furthermore, the investigations launched by South Africa’s elite police unit, the Hawks, aim to assess any possible involvement in human trafficking or exploitation.
The families of the trapped South Africans stress their need for accountability, putting pressure on both the government and Zuma-Sambudla, who continues to assert her innocence amid this unfolding crisis.
