ZUMA'S DAUGHTER RESIGNS: Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla Quits as MP Amid Human Trafficking Scandal

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief of The Azanian

Johannesburg - In a shocking turn of events, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, has resigned as a Member of Parliament for the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party amid allegations of human trafficking and recruiting mercenaries for the Russian Wagner group.

The scandal erupted after Zuma-Sambudla's own half-sister, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma-Mncube, laid charges against her, accusing her of duping MK party members into fighting in Russia's war against Ukraine.

According to reports, Zuma-Sambudla allegedly recruited men with promises of lucrative employment contracts, only to send them to Russia for military training and force them to fight in the war.

The Presidency has confirmed that 17 South African citizens have been lured into fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war, and President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an investigation into the matter. The South African government has assured the public that it is working to extract the stranded recruits, but the process is slow, and the families are growing anxious.

Zuma-Sambudla's resignation has been confirmed by the MK party's national chairperson, Nathi Nhleko, who said she had tendered her resignation with "immediate effect". "She has resigned as an MP, and we respect her decision," Nhleko said. "The party is not involved in this matter, and we will cooperate fully with the investigation."

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has welcomed Zuma-Sambudla's resignation, but called for a thorough investigation into the allegations. "This is a welcome development, but it's just the beginning," said DA leader John Steenhuisen. "We

need to get to the bottom of this scandal and hold those responsible accountable."

The Azanian has learnt that Zuma-Sambudla is facing human trafficking and fraud charges, and could face prosecution in the coming weeks. This is not Zuma-Sambudla's first brush with the law, as she is currently on trial for inciting terrorism and public violence related to the July 2021 unrest.

The scandal has sparked outrage, with calls for Zuma and his associates to be held accountable. The ANC MP Mdumiseni Ntuli questioned Police Minister Senzo Mchunu about the recruitment of intelligence operatives to strengthen a paramilitary structure in KwaZulu-Natal.

As the investigation unfolds, questions arise about Zuma's motives and the true extent of his involvement. With his MK party gaining traction, concerns grow about the former president's ambitions and the potential threat to national security.

The international community is taking notice, with the Ukrainian foreign minister condemning Moscow's recruitment of Africans as mercenaries. "It's a shameful act, and those responsible must be held accountable," said Andrii Sybiha.

The Azanian calls for a full and thorough investigation into this scandal, and for those responsible to be brought to justice. We will continue to provide updates and in-depth analysis on this developing story.

In the meantime, the families of the stranded recruits are pleading for help. "We just want our loved ones to come home safely," said one family member. "We don't care about the politics, we just want them to be safe."

The Azanian will continue to investigate and provide updates on this story. We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation.

This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.