‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to emerge recently following the South African government announced it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose name has been changed, 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 June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in 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. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting 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. At first, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family 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 comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

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

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “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 betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”