🔗 Share this article ‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Anger as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Battling for Russia One parent has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety. “My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue 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’s not easy for me.” The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma. A Startling Allegation Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface last month following the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men. The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on 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 believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives. The Initial Contact The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia. Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship. 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, it is an immediate necessity.’” Political Connections The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers. The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow. Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges. The Journey to War The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease. In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.” In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its outset. Official Actions and Family Despair Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is illegal. The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. Initially, the group included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back. A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group. In response, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position. The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries. A Wider Pattern Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about these activities. In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia. Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”
One parent has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety. “My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue 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’s not easy for me.” The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma. A Startling Allegation Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface last month following the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men. The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on 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 believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives. The Initial Contact The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia. Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship. 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, it is an immediate necessity.’” Political Connections The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers. The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow. Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges. The Journey to War The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease. In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.” In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its outset. Official Actions and Family Despair Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is illegal. The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. Initially, the group included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back. A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group. In response, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position. The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries. A Wider Pattern Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about these activities. In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia. Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”