‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia

A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge last month after the national authorities said it was trying to help citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. 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 did not sign up for, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program 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 parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

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

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

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

In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the situation. At first, the group included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans 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 consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”