Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma, resigned from Parliament Friday amid police investigations.
The MK Party lawmaker, serving since June 2024, faces allegations of tricking 17 men into joining Russian mercenaries in Ukraine.
Authorities say the men, aged 20 to 39, believed they were signing lucrative employment contracts before ending up on front lines.
An affidavit by Zuma-Sambudla’s half-sister claims she and two others lured South Africans under the guise of security training in Russia.
Eight of the 17 men reportedly belong to Zuma-Sambudla’s extended family, intensifying scrutiny over the alleged scheme.
The South African government confirmed it received distress calls from the men, now trapped in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region.
Police and foreign ministry officials are collaborating with international authorities to secure the safe return of the young South Africans.
MK Party chairman Nkosinathi Nhleko announced the resignation, citing a sensitive report on the alleged involvement of these individuals.
He denied party involvement and pledged support for families, emphasising the MK Party’s commitment to their safe return.
Zuma-Sambudla is concurrently on trial for her role in 2021 anti-government riots, pleading not guilty to incitement charges.
Her resignation adds a dramatic chapter to the ongoing investigation, intertwining family, politics, and the shadowy world of international mercenaries.