‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines 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 said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana 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 the individual's involvement began to surface recently following the South African government announced it was trying to help citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative 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 the foreign country.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

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

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

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the case. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

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. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”