‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface recently following the South African government announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim 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. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla 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 lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.

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

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

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

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the situation. At first, the group included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

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

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is sheer wickedness,” 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?”