DA reports Duduzile Zuma Sambudla to Parliament's Ethics Committee over alleged trafficking of South Africans
The DA says it is reporting MK Party Member of Parliament Duduzile Zuma Sambudla to Parliament's Ethics Committee over allegations that she recruited South Africans to travel to Russia, who have been forced to fight in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
The Democratic Alliance says it has reported MK Party Member of Parliament Duduzile Zuma Sambudla to Parliament's ethics committee after it was alleged that 17 South African men were tricked into fighting in Ukraine on behalf of Russia.
The DA's spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans Chris Hattingh MP said the men were reportedly promised bodyguard or security training in Russia.
“But when they arrived, they were made to sign documents written in Russian, had their passports, phones and bank cards taken away, and were moved to the Donetsk region, close to active fighting. Some were forced to carry weapons and ammunition, dig trenches and operate equipment under Russian control. They have been asking their families and government for help because they want to come home.”
The Mercury reported on Monday that the Hawks are investigating a case opened against Zuma Sambudla by her sister Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma Mncube regarding the recruitment of the South Africans. The two others named in the matter are Siphokazi Xuma, and Blessing Khoza.
Zuma Mncube said in a statement that some of those trapped in Ukraine are family members.
Zuma Mncube's Thuthu Zuma told The Mercury that the men are desperate to come home and scared for their lives.
Hattingh said the DA will be filing a criminal case with the SAPS to investigate the roles of Zuma Sambudla and others mentioned in media reports for misleading these young men and sending them into an active war zone.
“The DA fully supports the Hawks investigation, and if the evidence shows that laws were broken – including trafficking, fraud or illegal foreign military activity – then the law must take its course and prosecution must follow.”
He said he is also writing to the Acting Registrar of Parliament’s Ethics Committee to request an immediate ethics investigation.
“Allegations of this nature, involving an MP, cannot be ignored. If a public representative abused her position to recruit or mislead young South Africans into a foreign conflict, it would be a serious breach of her Oath of office and Parliament’s ethical rules. Parliament must treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves.”