‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces

One parent has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to surface recently after the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the group included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families 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 “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”