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

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. 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 legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge last month after the South African government said it was trying to help citizens trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with the accused 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 associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to 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.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

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

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. 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 private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the situation. At first, the group included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

In a separate case, 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 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. I mean, who does that?”