Zuma Sambudla Says She Was ‘First Victim’ In Alleged Russia Mercenary Scam

Duduzile Zuma Sambudla has declared under oath that she was not the architect of an alleged mercenary recruitment scheme to Russia, but instead the first victim of an elaborate deception that now has more than a dozen South Africans feared to be heading toward a conflict zone.

Her sworn affidavit, deposed at the Sandton Police Station on Monday, presents a sharply contrasting account to allegations levelled by her sister, Nkosazana Zuma Mncube, who publicly accused the MP of orchestrating the recruitment of 17 South African men under false pretences.

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Zuma Mncube had claimed the group believed they were travelling to Russia to train as bodyguards for the Mkhonto weSizwe Party. Instead, she alleged, they were handed over to Russian mercenary forces.

The South African government later confirmed receiving distress calls from 17 citizens aged 20 to 39, all of whom feared they had been tricked into joining paramilitary operations linked to the Russia–Ukraine conflict. Many said they had been lured by promises of lucrative security contracts abroad.

“I Was Manipulated”: Zuma Sambudla’s Version of Events

In her affidavit, Zuma Sambudla describes herself as “blindsided, manipulated, and a victim of deception, misrepresentation, and manipulation.”

At the centre of her narrative is a man identified as Blessing Rhulani Khoza, whom she says contacted her unexpectedly via WhatsApp. Prior to that message, she insists, she had no prior relationship, communication or knowledge of him.

She claims Khoza represented himself as a South African living in Russia with access to a lawful, skills-based, non-combat training programme for civilians — one he allegedly described as structured, regulated, and safe.

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Believing him, Zuma Sambudla travelled to Russia at her own cost and undertook what she describes as one month of surface-level, non-combat training.

“I was never exposed to combat, never deployed,” she states, insisting the activities appeared harmless and legitimate.

From Innocent Referral to International Crisis

Because her experience appeared genuine, she says she felt comfortable sharing the opportunity with a small circle of relatives and family friends — but denies ever recruiting or pressuring anyone.

“I shared information innocently. They chose to join on their voluntary interest,” she writes, adding that her own family’s participation demonstrates she had no awareness of any danger.

In total, 22 South Africans travelled to Russia; three failed medical tests and were sent home, while 19 remained.

Zuma Sambudla says she was devastated when she learnt the men may have been taken toward a conflict zone.

“This discovery caused me profound shock and distress. It was at this point that I realised both I and the others had been scammed,” her affidavit reads.

She says she immediately returned to Russia for two weeks to seek help from officials and the South African embassy, acting “at personal cost” to secure the men’s safety.

Cooperation With Investigators

Zuma Sambudla firmly rejects allegations that she facilitated any unlawful activity.
“I was not a recruiter, agent, operator, or facilitator of any unlawful activity,” she states.

She has offered full cooperation to investigators and handed over communications, documents, and digital devices for forensic analysis.

As police inquiries continue, her affidavit shifts the narrative from one of calculated recruitment to one of possible manipulation and exploitation, raising new questions about who orchestrated the scheme — and where the missing South Africans are now.

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