‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface last month after the national authorities said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the situation. At first, the group numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”