‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Battling 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. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently following the South African government said it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a war 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 the accused through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join 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 just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the government 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 group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent 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 war since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the situation. At first, the group included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”