One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.
“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”
Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.
Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge recently following the South African government said it was trying to help citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had misled the men.
This claim 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 under-35s are not in work or education.
The men are thought to remain trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.
Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.
A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.
Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”
Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict 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 facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.
The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.
In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”
In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning.
Recently, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.
A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the situation. Initially, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.
A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.
Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.
The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.
Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.
Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.
Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”
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