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

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. 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 legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface last month following the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults 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 fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made 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 bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

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.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

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

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the case. Initially, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military 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 faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “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 lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”