‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Fighting for Russian Forces

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface recently after the South African government said it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla through a relative 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.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

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

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

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

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a military group, 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 a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the situation. Initially, the group numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”