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

A mother has not heard from 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. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The purported operation is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge last month after the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

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

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose name has been changed, 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 June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men 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, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

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

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son 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 seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the case. Initially, the group included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed 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, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”