‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russian Forces

One parent 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 the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with worry.

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

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface last month following the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.

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

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the situation. Initially, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

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

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces 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 appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick 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 would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”