Duduzile Zuma allegedly paid R14 million to lure men into Russia-Ukraine war
· The South African
A spokesperson for the families of the 17 South African men allegedly recruited to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war has made serious allegations regarding the circumstances surrounding their involvement.
Some of the men, who were reportedly misled into joining the conflict, have since returned home, while others are expected to arrive in the coming days.
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DUDUZILE ZUMA-SAMBUDLA’S ALLEGED INVOLVMENT
Former president Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, has been at the centre of the controversy and is under investigation for allegedly coercing the men into participating in the war. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, families’ spokesperson Thulani Mahlangu alleged that the Wagner Group paid Zuma-Sambudla R14 million for the men’s services. The men were allegedly promised employment opportunities and security training but were instead deployed to the front lines.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has formally laid criminal charges against the former uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MK Party) Member of Parliament in terms of the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998. The Act prohibits South Africans from rendering foreign military assistance without authorisation from the state.
According to the DA, evidence submitted includes approximately 100 WhatsApp messages from a group allegedly administered by Zuma-Sambudla. Additional claims suggest that the men’s passports and clothing were burned, their phones confiscated, and communication with their families severed.
Zuma-Sambudla stepped down from the MK Party following the allegations. In a media briefing, the party stated that she resigned voluntarily and that her decision was unrelated to any wrongdoing.
RAMAPHOSA REACTS
President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the return of the men, aged between 20 and 39, following distress calls for assistance. He expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who responded positively to his request to support the process of bringing the men home.
“The investigation into the circumstances that led to the recruitment of these young men into mercenary activities is ongoing,” the president said.
Two of the men remain in Russia, with one currently in hospital and the other undergoing processing before finalising travel arrangements.
SHOULD DUDUZILE ZUMA-SAMBUDLA FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES IF THESE ALLEGATIONS ARE PROVEN TRUE?