‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russia

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart 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 deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to emerge recently following the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted 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 caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives far from home dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

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 contact was made in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

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

In another matter, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the situation. At first, the contingent included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

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, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”