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

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. 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 purported operation is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to emerge recently following the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with countries 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 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 denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

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

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court 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 … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”