Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla steps down as MK Party MP

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has resigned as a member of Parliament for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.

The move was announced during a press briefing by the MK Party in Durban on Friday.

Her resignation follows allegations that she played a role in the recruitment of 17 South African men to fight in the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

The matter came into the spotlight last weekend when Zuma-Sambudla's sister opened a criminal case against her, accusing her of misleading the men into a dangerous situation.

Mk Party chairperson Nathi Nhleko explained: “Comrade Duduzile Sambudla has tendered her resignation from the NA (National Assembly) and all public representative responsibilities with immediate effect.”

Nhleko said the MK Party was not involved in the recruitment of the members and called for their safe return.

“Our next step as national officials is to engage the families and explain our position as a party and support them in their efforts for the safe return of these young people.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa has also ordered an investigation into the circumstances that led to the recruitment of the men, who are mainly from KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

Zuma-Sambudla has denied the allegations against her, indicating that she has opened her own case against a man she claims was the real recruiter.

ALSO READ:

• - DA wants police to investigate MK MP Zuma-Sambudla for human trafficking, providing foreign military assistance & fraud
• - Hawks probing matter of 17 SA men allegedly manipulated by MK Party into fighting for Russia against Ukraine
• - Mahumapelo pleased police probing matter of 17 SA citizens lured to fight for Russia in Ukraine
• - Zuma family feud: Affidavit alleges Zuma-Sambudla involved in luring South Africans to fight for Russia