‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Anger as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russian Forces

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface recently following the South African government said it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families 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 Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. 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 publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

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

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication 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 forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the situation. Initially, the contingent included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”