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

One parent has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety 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 Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge last month following the national authorities announced it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

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

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the group included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

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

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”