The daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma has resigned as an MP following allegations that she tricked 17 men to fight for Russia as mercenaries in Ukraine. Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who became a member of parliament for the main opposition party uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) last year, has said in an affidavit that she thought the men were going to Russia for 'lawful' training. MK says it was her decision to resign as she wants to focus her efforts on ensuring the return of those trapped in Ukraine's war-torn Donbas region.
The brother of one of the men, who is sending desperate voice notes, expresses the family's need for accountability and the safe return of their loved ones. In a distressing message, Sipho, one of those trapped, describes the horrors they face in Ukraine. Xolani, Sipho's brother, claims that Zuma-Sambudla's resignation does not address the family's demands for accountability. Meanwhile, Zuma-Sambudla has denied intentionally misleading anyone and describes herself as a victim of deceit.
The political party has publicly supported her resignation, and investigations continue, with families demanding more action from the South African government. Voice notes reveal the grim reality of being tricked into conflict, highlighting that the South Africans were led into dangerous situations under false pretenses. The situation raises serious questions about human trafficking and recruitment practices during ongoing conflicts.
The brother of one of the men, who is sending desperate voice notes, expresses the family's need for accountability and the safe return of their loved ones. In a distressing message, Sipho, one of those trapped, describes the horrors they face in Ukraine. Xolani, Sipho's brother, claims that Zuma-Sambudla's resignation does not address the family's demands for accountability. Meanwhile, Zuma-Sambudla has denied intentionally misleading anyone and describes herself as a victim of deceit.
The political party has publicly supported her resignation, and investigations continue, with families demanding more action from the South African government. Voice notes reveal the grim reality of being tricked into conflict, highlighting that the South Africans were led into dangerous situations under false pretenses. The situation raises serious questions about human trafficking and recruitment practices during ongoing conflicts.
