‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Allegedly 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 expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“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. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's role began to surface recently after the South African government said it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. The former president 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. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity 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 from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother 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 war since its outset.

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 attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the situation. Initially, the group included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families 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 enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”