‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Anger as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. 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 legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's role began to emerge last month after the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

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 an offer was presented in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. 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 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 seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, the group included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

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 have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces 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 appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”