Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, has resigned as a member of parliament following allegations that she tricked 17 men into fighting for Russia as mercenaries in Ukraine.
Zuma-Sambudla, who represented the main opposition party uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), claims she thought the men were going to Russia for “lawful” training.
The men, aged 20-39, were reportedly promised lucrative security jobs in Russia but were instead handed over to a Russian mercenary group and forced to fight in Ukraine’s Donbas region.
One of the men, Sipho, said in a voice note that he was recruited by Zuma-Sambudla and another person, and that they were given flight tickets to Russia.
Zuma-Sambudla denies intentionally misleading anyone, stating she’s a victim of deception and manipulation.
Her party, MK, says she’s resigning to focus on bringing the trapped men home. The South African government is working with international law enforcement to repatriate the citizens.
The families of the trapped men are seeking accountability and their safe return. One family member, Xolani, expressed anguish, saying, “Things you see in the movies, we’re seeing it live”.
