Duduzile Zuma files affidavit against Russian 'mercenary recruiter'

She states she never intended to recruit anyone for combat

- SIFISO MAHLANGU

DUDUZILE Zuma Sambudla has declared under oath that she was not the mastermind behind a so-called mercenary recruitment programme to Russia, but rather the first victim of an elaborate deception that saw more than a dozen South Africans now feared to have been taken toward a conflict zone.

Her sworn affidavit, submitted to the Sandton Police Station yesterday afternoon, presents a version of events that contrasts with the public allegations made by her sister, Nkosazana Zuma Mncube. On Saturday, Zuma Mncube accused the Member of Parliament and two others of "tricking 17 men into fighting for Russian mercenaries," claiming the recruits had been told they were travelling to Russia to train as bodyguards for Mkhonto weSizwe Party.

The South African government confirmed it had received calls from 17 citizens who believed they had been misled into joining mercenary forces in the Russia Ukraine conflict. The men, aged 20 to 39, said they had been lured by promises of lucrative contracts.

She describes herself as blindsided, manipulated and "a victim of deception, misrepresentation and manipulation".