Relatives fear for lives of men thought to remain trapped in war after allegedly being recruited by a daughter of Jacob Zuma
Mary hasn’t heard from her son since 27 August, when he told her he was worried he was being sent to the frontlines of Russia’s war with Ukraine. Since then she has been ill with worry.
“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”
Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia by a daughter of the former South African president Jacob Zuma.
Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla’s involvement began to be aired in the media last month after the South African government said it was trying to help citizens stranded in Ukraine.
