Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma, has stepped down from her parliamentary role amid growing scrutiny over allegations that she played a part in sending South African men to join Russian-linked forces in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Her resignation, announced on Friday, arrives as law enforcement agencies continue investigating claims that 17 South African men—aged between 20 and 39—were convinced to travel to Russia under the promise of lucrative security-related work, only to find themselves deployed to active combat zones in Ukraine’s Donbas region.

Zuma-Sambudla, who served in parliament for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party since mid-2024, did not make a public statement regarding the allegations. However, senior MK figures emphasized that her decision to resign was voluntary and not an admission of guilt. According to MK national chairperson Nkosinathi Nhleko, the party supports the effort to bring the stranded South Africans home and insists it played no part in their recruitment.

The controversy intensified after Zuma-Sambudla’s half-sister, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma-Mncube, filed a formal complaint accusing her and two unidentified individuals of misleading the group with false promises of professional training abroad. The affidavit alleges the men were ultimately transferred to a mercenary-linked organisation and forced into frontline combat. Eight of the affected recruits are reportedly extended family members of both siblings.

Government officials confirmed that distress calls from the trapped group have reached South African authorities. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said that diplomatic efforts are underway to secure their safe return while the criminal investigation continues to examine how the recruitment network operated.

The developing scandal comes during Zuma-Sambudla’s ongoing legal battles. She is currently facing terrorism-related charges tied to her online activity during the 2021 unrest in South Africa, though she has pleaded not guilty and maintains her innocence.

International concern over alleged Russian recruitment campaigns has been rising. Earlier this week, Jordan condemned the enlistment of its citizens after two Jordanians were reportedly killed. Ukrainian officials estimate that Russia has drawn in tens of thousands of foreign fighters from more than 120 countries since the war began, with thousands killed in action.

As the investigation progresses, Zuma-Sambudla’s political future remains uncertain, and the issue of foreign recruitment in conflict zones continues to spark diplomatic tensions across multiple regions.