Zuma’s daughter resigns from the South African parliament due to accusations of recruitment in Russia

The daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, resigned from parliament on Friday, according to her party, amid accusations that she had recruited 17 soldiers to fight for Russia in Ukraine.

Under her father’s leadership, Zuma-Sambudla served as a lawmaker with the opposition Umkhonto weSizwe (MK). According to MK authorities, she resigned willingly and left the National Assembly and all other public positions right away.

Reporters were informed by MK party national organizer Nathi Nhleko that MK had nothing to do with luring the men to Russia and that Zuma-Sambudla’s resignation was not an admission of guilt. However, Nhleko also stated that MK will assist in providing for the men’s families.

“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,” he continued.

Despite being present at the press briefing, Zuma-Sambudla remained silent and has not publicly addressed her half-sister’s charges.

After being duped into fighting for mercenary forces under the guise of lucrative work contracts, the South African government announced this month that 17 of its people were trapped in the Donbas region of Ukraine. According to the statement, it was looking into how they got there and trying to get them home.

Following a formal request by Zuma-Sambudla’s half-sister for an investigation into her and two other individuals, who she accused of involvement, police announced on Sunday that they will look into the matter.

This month, Kyiv’s foreign minister warned that more than 1,400 people from three dozen African nations are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, and he urged nations to alert their citizens against recruitment.