‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge last month following the national authorities announced it was trying to help citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, 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 broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.

The men are thought to remain trapped in a war 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 connected with the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described 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 led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘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 Moscow date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

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

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the situation. Initially, the group included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived 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 stepped down from her elected role.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals 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. “To think that someone could take a child … 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?”