Photo of Zintle Mdaka

11 SA men return from Russian war, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla in hot water

7 months By Zintle Mdaka

The 11 South African men who were trapped at the epicentre of the Russia-Ukraine war have landed at King Shaka Airport in KwaZulu Natal.

They are part of the group of 17 men who were allegedly lured into fighting alongside Russian forces against Ukraine. Four of them made it home last week. One of the two who remain in Russia is in hospital.

Also see: Home at last – SA men ‘lured’ to Russia war zone back in Jozi

The families of some of the men have alleged that the daughter of former president, Jacob Zuma, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla tricked them into danger under false pretences. The scandal has led Duduzile to resign as an MP of the MK Party after criminal charges were laid against her last year.

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According to Briefly, the men, who are mainly from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), were lured to Russia under the pretence that they would be trained to be bodyguards for the uMKhonto weSizwe (MK) Party. Instead, they were sent to fight in war, prompting questions back in South Africa about how they were recruited.

Also see:Human trafficking charges laid against Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla amid Ukraine war allegations

Speaking with Newzroom Afrika, the families spokesperson has placed the blame on Duduzile.

Thulani Mahlangu said the Wagner Group allegedly paid Zuma-Sambudla R14 million for the men’s services. He further explained that the men were promised R25,000 per month, but despite the promises, no payments were made to the men or their families. He then added that the Wagner Group refused to release the men back to South Africa until the money had been repaid for them.

Also see: Here is the truth behind the Zuma-Russia mercenary allegations

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