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

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently after the South African government announced it was trying to help nationals trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”