Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has resigned from her job in parliament. This happened because of a police investigation. She is accused of helping South African men join the Russian army. Seventeen men were reportedly sent to Russia with false information. They are now fighting in Ukraine.
South Africa’s crime unit is investigating. This could lead to charges like human trafficking. Zuma-Sambudla’s sister made the first complaint. She said the men were lied to about their trip.
The men were told they would train for bodyguard jobs. This was for their father's political party. They were asked to sign contracts in Russian. Many did not understand the language. Some men sent video messages. They said Zuma-Sambudla gave them promises. She said she would also train in Russia.
Zuma-Sambudla says she was also tricked. She believed it was a training course, not for fighting. She went to Russia for a month. She thought the training was separate from the war. She has now accused another person, Blessing Khoza. She says he was the main organizer.
Her resignation from parliament came after the investigation. However, a party official said it is not an admission of guilt. This is to protect the party and family reputation.
The safety of the seventeen South Africans is most important. They are in danger and forced to fight. The government must act to bring them home safely. This scandal shows family disagreements. It also shows the dangers of international wars.