‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces

One parent 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 battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface last month after the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

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

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with 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 lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed 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 illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the situation. Initially, the group included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest 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.

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting 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 outright evil,” 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?”