‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, 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 citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface last month following the South African government said it was trying to help citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described 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 enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages 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 paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man 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 active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Russian forces 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 appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”