‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Fighting for Russian Forces

A mother has had no contact with 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 Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge last month following the national authorities announced it was trying to help citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

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

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

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

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”