‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russia

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

“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 is an immense struggle.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface last month after the national authorities said it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, 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.

The men are believed to be caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

In another matter, 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 group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July 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 recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted 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 contingent included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by another recruiter 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 resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”