Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma and current Member of Parliament for the uMkhonto we Sizwe Party, finds herself at the centre of multiple legal battles as the Democratic Alliance (DA) prepares to lay fresh criminal charges against her this week.
The new charges, to be filed with the South African Police Service, relate to allegations that Zuma-Sambudla was involved in recruiting 17 South African men to fight for Russia in the ongoing war against Ukraine.
The latest accusations come as Zuma-Sambudla is already fighting terrorism-related charges stemming from her alleged role in inciting the deadly July 2021 riots. On 10 November, she pleaded not guilty to charges of using social media platforms to encourage violence during the unrest that claimed over 350 lives and caused an estimated R50 billion in economic damage.
The riots began as protests following her father’s imprisonment but quickly escalated into widespread looting, arson, and violence across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces.
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The new allegations are particularly serious, involving potential violations of several South African laws, including the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act and the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.
The accusations were brought by Zuma-Sambudla’s own sister, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma-Mncube, who made explosive claims that eight of the 17 allegedly recruited men are her relatives. According to the complaint, these men were lured to Russia under false pretences and coerced into serving with Russian forces in the conflict zone.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe has confirmed that SAPS has opened an inquiry docket to investigate the trafficking allegations. However, specific charges remain to be determined pending further investigation.
The DA has indicated it will also address what it sees as concerning foreign policy implications, particularly criticising the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s silence on the matter.
They have been emphatic that Zuma-Sambudla “must be criminally investigated, and if found to have broken the law must be prosecuted,” regardless of her political position or family connections.
ALSO READ: Zuma sister accuses sibling of trafficking 17 SA men to Ukraine war
