DA wants Parly to discuss SAns allegedly lured to Russian for war against Ukraine

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it will be urging for a joint meeting of Parliament’s International Relations and Defence committees to discuss the situation of South Africans allegedly lured to Russia under false pretences to fight in its war against Ukraine.

On Thursday, the party laid a complaint against uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party Member of Parliament (MP) Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who’s alleged to have played a key role in duping the men under the guise of receiving bodyguard training.

ALSO READ:

- MK Party says matter of 17 South Africans on frontlines of Russia-Ukraine war should be left to unfold legally

- DA wants police to investigate MK MP Zuma-Sambudla for human trafficking, providing foreign military assistance & fraud

- Hawks investigating Duduzile Zuma for allegedly manipulating 17 SA men to assist Russian army

In an affidavit submitted at the Cape Town Police Station, the DA argues that she should be investigated for human trafficking, providing foreign military assistance and fraud.

The DA’s Ryan Smith said his party is also considering lodging a parliamentary ethics complaint against her.

“It’s a very serious violation not only of domestic law, but it’s quite a worrying sign from a political party to have such close ties with a maligned, illiberal actor on the international stage like Russia, and I think the question begs what is the relationship between uMkhonto weSizwe and Russia to the point where their members of Parliament are recruiting ordinary South African civilians to rush to fight on behalf of Russia.”

Meanwhile, the party has also criticised the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) for its apparent silence on the matter.

DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said the matter is under investigation by the Hawks, which the department respects.