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

One parent 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 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 get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, 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 seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's role began to surface last month after the South African government said it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, 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 introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

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

The Journey to War

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

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, 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. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, the group included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper 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. An official representative 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 hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, 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. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”