Allegations of Deception and Recruitment for Ukraine Conflict
Reports indicate a group of South African citizens are currently in Ukraine's Donbas region, having allegedly been recruited to fight for Russian forces. One individual, identified pseudonymously as Sipho, has communicated from the conflict zone, describing challenging conditions.
Sipho's brother, Xolani, stated that Sipho departed South Africa on July 8, under the impression he would be undertaking bodyguard training for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party. A sibling of another trapped South African corroborated this, detailing an offer of "counter-intelligence" and "bodyguard" training for MK due to her brother's unemployment.
Upon their arrival in Russia, the group was reportedly presented with contracts written in Russian, which they did not understand. Xolani further stated that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, an MK party MP and daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, along with another alleged recruiter, subsequently traveled to Russia. This reportedly prompted the group to sign the contracts, based on their trust in the individuals.
The group, including Sipho, was reportedly moved to Ukraine in early August. Sipho communicated that he was positioned approximately 10 kilometers from the front line in Donetsk.
Distress Communications and Responses
Within a WhatsApp group utilized by some of the men, messages conveying distress were exchanged. One message indicated: "We were told that we are going to a safe place but we went even more deeper in the bad place. And when we arrived here, they were 3 drone attacks." Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla was reportedly added to this group and communicated with the men, encouraging them to "hang in there."
Official Statements and Investigations
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has denied intentionally misleading individuals, expressing "profound shock" over the situation and stating she perceives herself as a victim of deception and manipulation. She has filed an affidavit with the police. In this document, which is publicly reported despite being unsigned, Zuma-Sambudla does not deny recruiting individuals for Russia but maintains her belief that it was for "lawful" training. She asserted, "I was not a recruiter, agent, operator or facilitator of any unlawful activity." She also disclosed receiving non-combat training in Russia herself and "innocently" sharing information about what she believed to be a similar program.
Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, Zuma-Sambudla's half-sister, has submitted a police statement alleging that her half-sister, along with two other men, lured 17 South Africans to Russia under "false pretences," leading to their engagement with a Russian mercenary group in the Ukraine conflict without their full knowledge or consent. Zuma-Mncube specified that eight of these individuals are family members.
South Africa's elite police unit, the Hawks, confirmed that both Zuma-Sambudla and Zuma-Mncube have registered cases. The Hawks are conducting a joint investigation into both matters to determine if any criminal activity, including human trafficking, illegal recruitment, exploitation, or fraud, has occurred. The MK party has announced an upcoming press conference to address the "Russia-Ukraine matter."
Broader Context and Government Engagement
The South African government confirmed receipt of distress calls from 17 of its citizens in Donbas, who reported being enticed by promises of lucrative contracts to join mercenary forces. Initial reports indicated 24 South Africans were allegedly deceived, with three subsequently returned to Russia due to medical unfitness. One individual reportedly sustained injuries, and their current whereabouts remain unknown. Financial news agency Bloomberg reported additional recruitment from Botswana.
The South African government stated its intention to utilize "diplomatic channels" to facilitate the return of its citizens; however, as of the reporting, this process had not yet concluded. Families of the individuals, such as Xolani, have conveyed concerns regarding their safety and the infrequent communication.