The Democratic Alliance (DA) has laid criminal charges against uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party Member of Parliament, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, alleging she played a “central role” in recruiting and trafficking young South African men to fight for Russia in its war against Ukraine .
The charges, filed at the Cape Town Central Police Station, are based on new evidence that includes approximately 100 WhatsApp messages from a group allegedly administered by Zuma-Sambudla .
The DA claims these messages show “clear coordination in luring at least 22 men to Russia under the guise of ‘personal development’, ‘security training’ and even promises of Russian or Canadian citizenship” .
According to the DA’s evidence, the situation for the recruits took a dark turn upon their arrival in Russia. Their passports and clothing were allegedly burned, their phones were confiscated, and communication with their families was gradually cut off entirely. Of the 22 men, 19 remain in Russia including 17 South African and are now reportedly deployed in a “red zone” in North Donetsk as part of Russian forces.
In a dramatic turn of events, Zuma-Sambudla has since resigned from Parliament. The party’s chairperson, Nathi Nhleko, stated that her resignation was voluntary, allowing her to “focus on helping the families return their loved ones,” and was not an admission of guilt .
The scandal has triggered a wider official response. President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the “exploitation of vulnerable South Africans” and ordered a government investigation.
Separately, Zuma-Sambudla’s sister has also opened a criminal case against her over the alleged recruitment . International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has confirmed that diplomatic efforts are underway to repatriate the men, while insisting that “whoever is involved in this must be arrested” .
The DA’s charges include human trafficking and contraventions of South Africa’s anti-mercenary legislation . The case has been handed over to the Hawks for investigation.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
