An alarming pattern of recruitment is seeing untrained South African men reportedly deceived into fighting for Russia on the frontlines in Ukraine, a Sky News investigation has uncovered. Families now fear for their loved ones, describing the deployments as a 'suicide mission' for individuals with no military experience.
'A Suicide Mission': The Untrained Fighters
In a hidden garden in KwaZulu-Natal, a man named Bongani – a pseudonym for his safety – recounted how his older brother was lured abroad. He explained that his brother and at least 16 other South Africans were promised bodyguard training in Russia, travelling via Dubai. Upon arrival, they signed a contract written in Russian, a language they did not understand.
'The problems started when they were moved from Russia to Ukraine,' Bongani stated. When the men questioned the move, they were allegedly told by Russian officials: 'Training for what? We don't know anything about training... you've signed the contract. You are under our command now.' Bongani emphasised these men were not soldiers, but 'just bodyguards who want to get a job and provide for their families.'
Allegations of High-Profile Trafficking
Distressing SOS video messages seen by Sky News appear to support these claims. In one, a man in military fatigues details the signing of contracts, alleging that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, encouraged them to sign. The man claims they requested a translator for the Russian-language documents but were refused.
'That is when Duduzile came... She said we must sign the contract because it is the same thing they did,' he said in the video. 'We did sign the forms because we trust the lady, Duduzile.'
Zuma-Sambudla faces serious allegations from her half-sister, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma-Mncube, of trafficking South African men – including eight relatives – for mercenary recruitment. Zuma-Sambudla denies the claims, stating she was herself a victim of deception. She has resigned as an MP and not commented to Sky News. The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirms an investigation is ongoing.
Police Crackdown and Growing Fears
The scale of the suspected recruitment drive is becoming clearer. In a separate case, five suspects appeared in a Johannesburg magistrate's court in Kempton Park on Wednesday 17 December 2025. They were arrested at Oliver R Tambo airport en route to Russia via the UAE after a police tip-off.
Among them was 39-year-old Patricia Mantuala, accused of recruiting the three young men, the youngest just 21. All five were later granted bail. Colonel Katlego Mogale of the elite Hawks investigative unit warned they do not rule out further arrests.
For families like Bongani's, the fear is palpable. 'You are dealing with people who are well known in South Africa... we may never know what's going to happen next to us,' he said, questioning the safety of his family as they advocate for their trapped relatives' return against formidable odds.
