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

One parent 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 frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. 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 multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's involvement began to emerge recently following the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, 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 June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

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 need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

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

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

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

In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the situation. Initially, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

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

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number 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, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”