‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Fighting for Russian Forces

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently after the South African government said it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.

The men are thought to remain caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, 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 the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender 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 frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not 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. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded 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 warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”