‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia
A mother has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with worry.
“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, 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 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.
A Political Bombshell
Allegations about the individual's involvement began to emerge recently after the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.
The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.
The men are believed to be trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families far from home dread for their lives.
A Fateful Introduction
The mother, 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 June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.
Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.
Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”
Political Connections
The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, 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 pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.
The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.
In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.
The Journey to War
The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.
In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”
Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the war since its beginning.
Government Response and Ongoing Anguish
In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.
The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the case. Initially, the contingent included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.
A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another family member, 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 filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “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. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.
Broader Implications
Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.
In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.
Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”