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

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

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

The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface last month after the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, 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 thought to remain trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts 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 has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

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

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

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 working to secure their return. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the case. At first, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals 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 appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could 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?”