Malema on Zuma-Sambudla allegations: 'The law must take its own course'

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has stated that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla should face legal consequences if allegations that she lured 17 men to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war are proven true.

Zuma-Sambudla recently resigned as a Member of Parliament following the emergence of serious allegations: she is accused of recruiting the men under false pretences. It is understood that the group was allegedly told they were travelling to Russia for bodyguard training for her father's uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, not for military deployment.

While Zuma-Sambudla's own sister has reportedly opened a case against her regarding the alleged recruitment, she has not yet been arrested or formally charged. Malema insists the allegations are serious and should be handled with due process.

"If she’s engaged in illegality, the law must take its own course, and she must be held accountable. Until then, let’s not be driven by excitement," Malema commented.

The EFF leader, however, cautioned against pre-empting the process, urging that the police and the Hawksbe given the necessary space and time to conduct their investigations.

"I saw people opening cases against her, and I’m very conflicted because Duduzile is my friend, so maybe the SG should have responded to this one," he added, acknowledging his personal relationship with her.

In a similar and separate matter, five people have been arrested so far, including two suspects accused of recruiting three young men to the Russian frontlines. That case is currently before the courts.