‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russian Forces

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's role began to emerge recently following the national authorities announced it was trying to help citizens trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting 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

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the contingent included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries 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 among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”