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

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion 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 is an immense struggle.”

Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently following the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. 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.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

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

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

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

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

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

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, 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 state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the case. Initially, the contingent included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate 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.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals 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.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”