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

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for 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 emerge recently following the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

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

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented 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 bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which 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 handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated 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 clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the situation. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of enticing 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 another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary 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 lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”