‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent 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 said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, 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 citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge last month following the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, 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 school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “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 forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the situation. Initially, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family 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 a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”