A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.
“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, 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 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.
Claims about the individual's role began to emerge last month after the national authorities said it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.
This claim rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.
These individuals are believed to be trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.
The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.
Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.
Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”
The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.
She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.
Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.
The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.
By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”
Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning.
Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.
A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.
A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.
Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by an associate 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 resigned from her elected role.
Other individuals could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.
Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.
Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.
Throughout this ordeal, 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 betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”
