‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces
One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.
“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart 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 seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.
A Startling Allegation
Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently following the national authorities said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, 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 highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.
These individuals are believed to be caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.
A Fateful Introduction
The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla 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 the foreign country.
Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards 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 Russian citizenship.
Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”
Political Connections
Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. The former president 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 support of Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to 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.
The Journey to War
The men reportedly met at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.
In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, 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 called his mother to say he was being pressured 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.
Government Response and Ongoing Anguish
Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.
A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the situation. Initially, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.
A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing 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 misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.
Other individuals could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.
Broader Implications
Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.
Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.
Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”