Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla steps down as an MK MP while police probe the claim that she recruited 17 South Africans to fight for Russia in Ukraine. Credits: Polity.org.za
By Duncan Mnisi
The story continues to unfold. Following explosive allegations, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has resigned as a Member of Parliament for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, effective immediately.
Her resignation came days after her half-sister, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, filed a criminal complaint accusing her of human-trafficking. Zuma-Mncube alleges that Zuma-Sambudla promised 17 South African men lucrative overseas jobs that ultimately turned out to be mercenary work in Ukraine’s Donbas region, where Russian-aligned forces are active.
South African authorities have since launched a full-scale probe. The Hawks are investigating potential human-trafficking, illegal recruitment and fraud.
“The Hawks investigation into possible human-trafficking, illegal recruitment and fraud is ongoing and could expand to include travel agencies, social-media analysis and even international postal agreements,”
— Brigadier Athlenda Mathe
In her official police statement, Zuma-Sambudla denied the allegations, insisting she never intended to recruit anyone for combat and claiming she is a victim of misinformation.
The MK Party has distanced itself from the controversy, emphasising that her resignation was voluntary and not an admission of guilt. MK national organiser Nathi Nhleko said the party would assist efforts to bring the stranded men home but denied any organisational involvement in the alleged scheme.
“The national officials have accepted Comrade Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s decision to resign and support her efforts to ensure that these young South Africans are brought back safely to their families,”
— Nathi Nhleko
Key developments so far:
- Resignation: Immediate departure from Parliament and all public roles.
- Allegations: Accused of recruiting 17 men for mercenary work under the guise of high-paying jobs.
- Legal action: Hawks probe under way; DA has also laid criminal charges.
- Political fallout: MK maintains the decision was personal; scrutiny increases over the party’s foreign-policy posture.
The investigation is expected to continue for months, with no clear conclusion yet in sight. More details will emerge as authorities pull on the threads of this rapidly evolving case.
