‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Anger as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia

One parent has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge last month following the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to 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

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Initially, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, 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 asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”