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

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war 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 suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

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

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface last month following the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

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

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her support of 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 social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted 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 case. At first, the group included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”