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

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 frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue 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.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge last month following the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. 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.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

The men are believed to be trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused 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 exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

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

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

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

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the situation. Initially, the group included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family 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. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back 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 these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”