‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Anger as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russia

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to surface recently after the South African government said it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

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

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

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

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the situation. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”