‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to emerge last month after the national authorities announced it was trying to help citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show 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 thousands of miles away fear 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 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.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

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

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

Towards the month's end, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the situation. Initially, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I 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. A government spokesperson said there was no new information 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 serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”