‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

One parent has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently following the national authorities said it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

A portion of the group 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 secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. At first, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could 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?”