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

A mother 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 war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface recently following the South African government announced it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with 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.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

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

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums 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 separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

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 working to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. Initially, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “Under no circumstances would I 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. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside 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 similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … 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?”