‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Battling 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 ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion 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.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge last month after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

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 recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the case. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down 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 have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”