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

One parent has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, 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 part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. 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 after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, 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 broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

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

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity 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 foreign nationality.

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

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. 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 traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man 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 appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, the group numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

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

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

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. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary 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 would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”