‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

One parent has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface last month after the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a military group, 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. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the situation. Initially, the contingent included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted 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 filed by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside 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 similar allegations 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 … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”