Zuma-Sambudla sisters seek parliamentary intervention in alleged Russia-Ukraine trafficking scam

The half-sisters of former MP Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla have approached Parliament for assistance in the return of South African men, some of whom they claim are their family members, who they believe were duped by Zuma-Sambudla into fighting in the Russia-Ukraine War.

The Chairperson of Parliament’s International Relations Committee, Supra Mahumapelo, informed his colleagues on Wednesday that he met with the three siblings in Johannesburg on Monday. He also spoke to their mother, former minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Director-General, Zane Dangor, has been cautious about revealing the exact steps the government is taking to repatriate the 17 South Africans. However, he told the committee that the department believes the men were trafficked.

On Monday, five people appeared in court in connection with this matter; however, Zuma-Sambudla was not among them.

Committee Chairperson Supra Mahumapelo stated that in his meeting with the Zuma family members, he was told about a case one of the siblings has laid against Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, whom they believe facilitated the recruitment. The family also informed Mahumapelo that two Botswanan men are believed to be among those taken to the frontlines of the war.

The sisters have also written to the International Relations Minister, the National Assembly Speaker, and the President for assistance.

Mahumapelo confirmed that after meeting with the sisters, he contacted their mother, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, to confirm the information.

"As a leader and a mother also, she’s also quite concerned about the situation and that the family will be very happy if the children can be returned home safely," Mahumapelo quoted Dlamini-Zuma as saying.

Zuma-Sambudla had been a member of the International Relations Committee until her resignation as an MP last week. Mahumapelo told committee members that he had sent her a message to wish her well, and she responded that she would "see them all again soon."

Director-General Zane Dangor says the government is working with diplomatic missions in both Ukraine and Russia to secure the men’s return.